Which reading comprehension strategy involves connecting previous knowledge to new information?

The strategy that involves connecting previous knowledge to new information is activating prior knowledge. This approach is crucial because it encourages students to tap into what they already know about a subject, which helps them better understand and integrate new content. By relating new information to existing knowledge, learners can create mental frameworks that make sense of what they are reading, thereby enhancing comprehension and retention.

Activating prior knowledge sets the stage for deeper engagement with the text and fosters critical thinking, as students are more likely to ask questions, make predictions, and draw connections when they are aware of their existing understandings. For example, before starting a new reading session, teachers might ask students what they already know about a topic to spark connections and curiosity, enhancing the overall learning experience. This strategy is foundational in effective literacy instruction, emphasizing the interconnectedness of knowledge as a catalyst for understanding.