Understanding Schema Theory: How Pre-Existing Mental Frameworks Shape Learning and Perception.

Schema Theory

Part of cognitive theory (Piaget); learning involves categories & building blocks

Schema Theory is a cognitive theory that explains how people organize and interpret information in their minds. It was introduced by psychologist Jean Piaget, who proposed that people create mental frameworks or structures (schemas) to help them make sense of the world around them.

The concept of schema is based on the idea that individuals have pre-existing mental frameworks that shape their experiences and perceptions. Schemas are developed through accumulated experiences, social interactions, and knowledge, and they help individuals process new experiences, understand meanings, and predict future events.

In essence, schema theory explains how people use pre-existing cognitive structures to process and interpret new information. When new information is encountered, it is compared to existing schema, and individuals then may adjust or assimilate the information into the existing schema or create a new schema.

Schemas have numerous implications for learning and education. Teachers may help students in creating meaningful connections between new information and preexisting schema, leading to more in-depth understanding and better retention of learning. Schemas also play an essential role in schema-based instruction, where students are taught to activate their pre-existing knowledge about a subject to facilitate new learning.

In conclusion, schema theory is a cognitive theory that emphasizes the importance of pre-existing knowledge in shaping the cognitive processes of an individual. By understanding how individuals create and use schemas, teachers can better design learning experiences that are meaningful and effective.

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