What aspect of learning can linking new information to prior knowledge significantly improve?

Linking new information to prior knowledge significantly enhances recall ability because the process of connecting new concepts to what the learner already knows creates a more robust mental framework. When learners can relate new information to existing memories or understanding, they are more likely to store the new information effectively and retrieve it later. This associative network strengthens memory pathways, making it easier for individuals to access the information during recall situations.

While the other options may also be positively influenced by linking new information to prior knowledge, they do not directly relate to the enhancement of recall ability in the same way. Critical thinking skills can improve through broader context, but recall relies more fundamentally on the interplay of existing and new knowledge. Social interactions might become richer as a result of deeper understanding, and behavioral engagement can increase as students feel more connected to the material, but the primary advantage of the connection lies in the improved ability to remember and retrieve learned information.