Read the following statements and choose the correct option :
Assertion (A) : Prompting students to recall previous knowledge is important.
Reason (R) : Recalling the previous knowledge helps students connect the known knowledge to the new knowledge.

The correct answer is Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

Analysis of Assertion (A):
Assertion (A) states that prompting students to recall previous knowledge is important. Prior knowledge acts as the foundation for acquiring new information. When educators prompt students to recall what they already know, it activates existing cognitive schemas, preparing the mind to receive, process, and store new information efficiently. Therefore, Assertion (A) is true.

Analysis of Reason (R):
Reason (R) states that recalling previous knowledge helps students connect known knowledge to new knowledge. According to constructivist learning theories (such as Jean Piaget's schema theory and David Ausubel's meaningful learning theory), learning occurs most effectively when new concepts are anchored to pre-existing mental structures. Making explicit connections between old and new knowledge enhances retention, comprehension, and transfer of learning. Therefore, Reason (R) is true.

Relationship between Assertion (A) and Reason (R):
Reason (R) directly explains why prompting recall (Assertion A) is an essential pedagogical practice—specifically because it facilitates the mental connection between prior concepts and new material. Thus, Reason (R) provides the correct explanation for Assertion (A).