The Prerequisite Chain
Unveiling the Foundations of Learning or "What should I teach first?"
Preface
I have for years written articles and a book, educational pieces, on music theory and on martial arts. I have always struggled with figuring out the order in which to discuss ideas, since in music, martial arts, and many other fields, the prerquisites must be understood first. This is not as trivial a problem as it may seem.
I decided to discuss this with ChatGPT 3.5 this morning, and had the AI turn the discussion into a short essay, twice. Chet AI gave me a term for all of this, which apparently is in use in some circles: “the prerequisite chain.” I suggested that knowledge could be structured as a directed graph, but directed graphs are not in everyone’s toolkit, so I asked Chet for a clearer term.
The essay follows, with the usual ChatGPT annoying style of writing. It it seems to dig up the word “tapestry” on a routine basis. Why is that? Dunno.
The Prerequisite Chain: Unveiling the Foundations of Learning
In the intricate tapestry of education, the journey of knowledge acquisition is often likened to a well-structured building where each floor relies on the stability of the one below. This fundamental concept is encapsulated in the notion of a "Prerequisite Chain," a dynamic and interconnected model of learning that emphasizes the sequential progression of foundational concepts before delving into more advanced ideas.
The term "prerequisite" is a familiar fixture in educational discourse, representing a condition that must be fulfilled before progressing to subsequent stages of learning. However, the nuanced understanding of a "prerequisite chain" extends beyond this linear notion, revealing a more holistic and interdependent framework. This chat delved into the intricacies of this concept, drawing parallels with real-world examples such as the structured learning path in music theory.
In the initial exchange, the analogy of building blocks was employed to illustrate the hierarchical nature of knowledge acquisition. Starting from the foundational understanding of individual notes in music theory, the learner ascends through intervals, scales, and chords, culminating in the comprehension of harmony. This progression mirrors the construction of a tower, with each level dependent on the stability of the levels beneath it.
The term "prerequisite chain" may not be as commonly used as its standalone components, but its significance becomes apparent in the educational practices across various disciplines. While exploring this concept, the chat emphasized the importance of recognizing that learning is not always a straightforward hierarchy; it can be akin to a directed graph where certain concepts form interconnected nodes, and understanding one may require revisiting others.
In the subsequent part of the chat, efforts were made to simplify the terminology for everyday use. The analogy of constructing a tower with building blocks was introduced, providing a tangible representation of how foundational knowledge supports the acquisition of more advanced concepts. This metaphor resonates with educators and learners alike, as it vividly illustrates the precariousness of attempting to add blocks to the top without a stable foundation.
The chat also addressed the universality of the prerequisite chain, noting its prevalence in disciplines beyond music theory, particularly in mathematics. The concept of building a tower of understanding applies seamlessly to mathematical education, where mastering foundational concepts such as arithmetic is crucial before delving into more complex areas like algebra and calculus.
In essence, the essay extrapolates on the chat's exploration of the term "prerequisite chain," shedding light on its implications in the broader context of education. By incorporating real-world examples and analogies, it seeks to make the concept more accessible and relatable to a wider audience. The "Prerequisite Chain" emerges not just as a term but as a guiding principle that underscores the structured and interconnected nature of the learning journey, ensuring a solid foundation for the edifice of knowledge.
Afterward
I found this:
How should I learn: prerequisite chain learning and the introduction of LectureBank; Irene Li, Alexander R. Fabbri, Robert R. Tung, and Dragomir Radev; Department of Computer Science, Yale University; https://yale-lily.github.io/public/s2018/Poster_IreneLi.pdf
and this: