What aspect of memory may affect a learner's ability to acquire new information?

Short-term retention plays a critical role in a learner's ability to acquire new information because it pertains to the capacity to hold onto information for a brief period immediately after learning it. This aspect of memory allows learners to process and manipulate information in the moment, aiding in understanding and retention of new concepts. When a learner has strong short-term retention, they can effectively absorb new material and integrate it into their long-term memory.

If a learner struggles with short-term retention, they may find it difficult to keep new information in mind long enough to make connections, think critically, or apply what they’ve learned. This can hinder their overall educational experience, illustrating the significance of this type of memory in effective learning. Therefore, having good short-term retention is essential for successfully acquiring and utilizing new knowledge.