whole-to-part processing
nounUnderstanding the big thing first, then looking at its smaller pieces.
When she learned about the forest before studying individual trees, she was using whole-to-part processing.
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OTHER MEANINGS
2. A reading strategy where a child learns whole words before breaking them into letters and sounds.
The teacher used whole-to-part processing by showing the word 'cat' before teaching the sounds c-a-t.
3. A way of solving problems by starting with the overall goal and then dividing it into smaller steps.
Planning the whole project first and then splitting it into tasks is an example of whole-to-part processing.
4. In design, starting with the complete layout and then refining individual elements.
The designer practiced whole-to-part processing by sketching the full page before adjusting each button.