Have you ever noticed how arriving early to class and reviewing your notes makes the lecture easier to follow? Or take notes here, skim through a chapter before reading it thoroughly to help you absorb the material better. That's not just good study habits — it's your brain experiencing the benefits of priming effects.

What Is Priming in Education?

Priming is a cognitive process where exposure to one stimulus influences how we respond to a subsequent stimulus, often without our conscious awareness. In educational contexts, priming prepares the brain to receive, process, and store new information more effectively.

"Priming prepares students for upcoming information before they receive it, influencing their learning behavior later, without them necessarily being aware."

According to cognitive psychology research, priming works by activating mental frameworks (schemas) stored in our long-term memory. When these schemas are activated, related information becomes more accessible, making learning more efficient.

Three Essential Types of Priming for Students

1. Pre-exposure Priming

Pre-exposure involves introducing students to new content before in-depth learning occurs. This creates a mental framework that helps organize and understand information when it's formally presented.

Effective pre-exposure strategies:

• Reading chapter summaries before diving into textbooks
• Reviewing course syllabi to get an overview of upcoming topics
• Watching introductory videos on a subject before class
• Skimming slides or handouts before lectures
• Taking pre-tests to activate relevant knowledge networks

A psychology study conducted at Ohio State University demonstrated that participants who were incidentally exposed to new objects learned to categorize them faster when later taught to recognize them. The researchers concluded that "simply being exposed to new things makes an impression in our mind and leads us to be ready to learn about them later."

2. Activating Prior Knowledge

This form of priming connects new information with existing knowledge, creating stronger neural pathways and improved comprehension.

Ways to activate prior knowledge:

• Starting classes with brief quizzes on previously covered material
• Asking students to write down everything they already know about a topic
• Creating concept maps showing relationships between known concepts and new material
• Discussing real-world applications of upcoming lessons
• Having students explain concepts to peers in their own words

"When students have a foundational building block to support new knowledge, they can build on that foundation to increase their comprehension about a subject."

3. Retrieval Practice

Retrieving information from memory strengthens learning much more effectively than simply re-reading notes. This priming technique helps students organize knowledge and construct meaning from prior learning.

Retrieval practice techniques:

• Quick self-quizzes before studying new related material
• Brain dumps (writing everything you remember about a topic)
• Flashcards used before in-depth study sessions
• Attempting to solve problems before being shown the solution
• Regular low-stakes testing on previous material

How Students Can Use Priming for Better Learning

The research is clear: arriving just 10 minutes early to prepare and prime before class begins can significantly improve learning outcomes. Here's a practical approach for students:

1. Review previous class notes (5 minutes) - This activates relevant neural networks and reconnects you with material that may have faded from memory.

2. Skim the day's topic (3 minutes) - Quickly look over the textbook sections, slides, or readings for the upcoming class to create initial mental frameworks.

3. Prepare your note-taking setup (2 minutes) - Get your notebook or device ready with headings and an outline based on the day's topic.

"Success in school doesn't come from one singular heroic act. Rather, it comes from the cumulation of many small habits each day."

Cautions About Priming in Education

While priming is powerful, educators and students should be aware of its limitations:

• Individual differences matter - Research shows that more mindful students (those who pay deliberate attention to the present moment) may be less influenced by priming effects. This suggests that priming techniques might be most beneficial for students who tend to operate on "autopilot."

• Ethical considerations - While subliminal priming works well in research settings, it raises ethical questions about influencing students without their awareness or consent. Educational applications should focus on conscious priming techniques.

• Not a magic solution - Priming works best as part of a comprehensive learning strategy that includes active engagement, deep processing, and spaced repetition.

• Context matters - Classroom environments contain many competing stimuli that can dilute priming effects. Structured, focused priming activities tend to be most effective.

Applying Priming in Educational Settings

For educators looking to incorporate priming into their teaching:

• Begin classes with quick warm-up activities related to the day's topic
• Create classroom environments with visible academic vocabulary and concepts
• Share learning objectives at the beginning of each lesson
• Provide pre-reading materials with guiding questions
• Develop routines that naturally prime students for learning

For students looking to self-prime:

• Arrive to class early enough to mentally prepare
• Review notes from previous classes before new lectures
• Skim readings before detailed study
• Test yourself on previous material before learning related concepts
• Create study routines that incorporate priming techniques

Summary

• Priming effects prepare the brain to learn by activating relevant neural networks and creating mental frameworks for new information.
• Three effective priming strategies include pre-exposure to new material, activating prior knowledge, and retrieval practice.
• Just 10 minutes of preparation before class can significantly improve learning outcomes.
• Individual differences in mindfulness may affect how responsive students are to priming techniques.
• Ethical priming in education should focus on conscious techniques rather than subliminal manipulation.

By understanding and applying the science of priming, both educators and students can enhance learning efficiency and create stronger, more accessible memories. Small investments in priming activities can yield significant returns in educational outcomes. Download our free ebook Learning Beyond Listening & Reading from the resources page to discover more techniques that can aid learning.

References

Brown, P. C., Roediger III, H. L., & McDaniel, M. A. (2014). Make it stick: The science of successful learning. Harvard University Press.

Radel, R., Sarrazin, P., Legrain, P., & Gobancé, L. (2009). Subliminal priming of motivational orientation in educational settings: Effect on academic performance moderated by mindfulness. Journal of Research in Personality, 43(4), 695-698.

Unger, L., & Sloutsky, V. (2022). Priming the brain to learn: Incidental exposure and category learning. Psychological Science, 33(5), 767-778.

Addison, S. (2022). Three ways to prime students for learning. Journal of Educational Psychology, 114(2), 289-304.