Prior knowledge refers to what aspect of a reader's experience?

Prior knowledge encompasses the schemas, or mental frameworks, that a reader brings to a text based on their personal experiences, background, and previous learning. This understanding is crucial because it influences how a reader interprets and interacts with the text. When readers engage with a new text, they rely on their existing knowledge to make connections, infer meanings, and enhance comprehension.

For instance, if a reader has prior experiences related to the theme or subject matter of a text, they are more likely to engage deeply with the material, predict outcomes, and understand characters' motivations. This connection to personal experiences allows readers to enrich their interpretation and discussion of the text, making prior knowledge a critical component of effective reading.

While knowledge of literary genres, understanding of vocabulary, and the ability to decode words are important reading skills, they do not fully capture the role of prior knowledge in aiding comprehension. Prior knowledge is much broader and relates specifically to the individual experiences and knowledge a reader uses to comprehend and connect with new information found in texts.