What role does prior knowledge play in learning new information?

Prior knowledge plays a crucial role in learning new information by acting as a framework that helps individuals organize and integrate new concepts. When learners encounter new material, their existing knowledge allows them to make connections, see relationships, and create a scaffold for understanding. This pre-existing framework not only aids in comprehension but also enhances retention and retrieval of the new information. The presence of relevant prior knowledge can facilitate deeper learning, as learners are better equipped to relate new ideas to what they already understand, making the learning process more efficient and meaningful.