Amanda Hatten

Maleesa Redish

Raiza Garcia

Outline

Introduction

Structure of the Schema Theory

Modifying a Schema

Inferencing- A Key Process

The Role Attention Plays

Schema Influences Memory

Conclusion

External Links

Introduction

Structure of the Schema Theory

All schema is rooted in additional schemata and contains what Anderson described as subschema. Structure of the Schema Theory

When schema is activated it involves the relationship of how the different knowledge parts stored connect to make meaning of text. These parts have been referred to as "nodes" variables or slots. When the schema is activated these parts are filled with some prior knowledge. Once one schema part is activated it is likely that these parts will remind the reader of more schema parts. There is a strong interconnection between each of the parts of the schema to represent the whole schema a reader activates when encountering text.The most important aspect of the schema theory is "seeing the significance of the parts to the whole" in the view of comprehension

Modifying a Schema

According to Anderson, schema is constantly modified. As an individual gains knowledge their mental filing cabinets begin to reorganize, routinely re-arranging, adapting, and restructuring concepts based on what is being learned and experienced. Not only is schemata modified by being continuously reorganized within the mind, but it also grows larger and becomes more specific and detailed from moment to moment as new information is received. When new information is presented to a reader that is reliable or credible to the reader they modify their existing schema. Most readers will check their exisiting schema of the content presented and check that the new information is consistent with what has already been stored in their schemata. The reader makes the decision to either add the information to the schema or reject the information as conflicting information with what the reader believes to be true.

Inferencing- A Key Process

Since prior knowledge (organized into schemata) is one of the key factors relating to comprehension teachers are responsible for helping their students build the prior knowledge they require to make connections.

The Role Attention Plays

Schema Influences Memory

Since schemata is essentially the organization of ones knowledge, memory plays a vital role in the schema theory. Humans learn many concepts each day, some which are revisited regularly and some of which are stored in the back of the mind for later use. Since all previous knowledge is not used on a day to day basis some of the information that is learned is also forgotten. For this purpose, think of forgotten information as memory loss (the information still exists, but you have to find it). Though adequate prior knowledge may exist, the memory may need to stirred in order for it to resurface. As an educator we must be aware of that fact and be sensitive to the likely hood that even if a child has adequate prior knowledge in a subject area they may need assistance recalling information that they already know in order to apply it to new information as it is learned.

Below you will find an sample schema theory of the term "egg". This illustrates how a person's memory influences their comprehension and links to many other areas. This diagram was produced from the below listed external link for Lingalinks.

Conclusion

External Links

LinguaLinks Page

This is a Lingualinks page about schema theory, including a diagram of a sample schema. It also has a link to cognitive theories of learning.

Schema Theory for Dummies

This site gives a brief history of the development of schema theory, along with some real-world examples of how schema theory influences brain activity. The text is easy to understand and discusses how researchers came to understand this theory.