anchoring
v.v. the process of using something you already know to help you understand something new. It is like using a familiar idea to 'anchor' a new one in your mind.
v. the cognitive process of using existing knowledge or experiences to interpret and integrate new information. Often involves linking a novel concept to a previously established mental framework.
The teacher used anchoring to help students understand complex math problems.
By anchoring the new software features to the familiar interface of the old version, the company reduced the learning curve for its users.
Cognitive psychologists argue that anchoring is a fundamental mechanism for learning, as it allows the brain to build upon existing neural networks rather than starting from a blank slate.