B. Cummins, E. Rich, & S. Robinson

CEPD 6101 – Fall 2012

9/17/2012

Schema Theory

Schema theory is also know as Cognitivism

Other Names for Schema Theory

Information ProcessingInformation MappingScaffoldingMental ModelsSymbol Manipulation

Associated Terms

1926 Piaget – Cognitive

Theory

1930’s Frederic Bartlett

1977 R.C. Anderson -

educational

Roots and Foundation of Schema Theory

Advance organizersAnalogies and comparisons Schema signals Cultural referencesMental models

Instructional Strategies(to activate learner’s existing schemata)

• Accretion – adding new information to existing schema

• Tuning – Modifying existing schema by enhancing with new ideas

• Restructuring – the creation of entirely new schema

•Mental Models – the schemata that represent one’s knowledge about specific matter,

but also include ideas of task demands and performances.

Concepts of Schema Theory

Activating background knowledge

SchemataScaffolding

Transfer of Learning

1930’s: Frederic Bartlett introduced the Schema Theory.

1970’s: Marvin Minsky reintroduced the schema construct by applying it to computer science.

1973: Bransford and Johnson discovered that schema has a strong effect on reading comprehension.

1977: Richard Anderson introduced schema theory in education.

Timeline

1980’s: Roger Schank and Robert Abelson developed the script construct to aid in the explanation of using schema to enhance reading comprehension.

1980: David Rumelhart expanded on Minsky’s application of schema in computer science, and included it in psychology, more specifically in the mental representation of complex knowledge.

1980: Charles Hacker furthered the idea of using Schema Theory in the classroom.

Timeline

1996: Carr and Thompson found that students need help students recall their prior knowledge in a subject area to help them use it to learn new information.

2000: William Brewer continued research on schema’s impact on learning and psychology.

Timeline

Education-Reading Comprehension and Problem Solving

Psychology-Memory Recall

Research Based on Schema Theory

References 

Conrad, L. (2008). Put thinking to the test. Portland, ME, USA:

Stenhouse Publisher.

Dahlin, B. (2001). Critique of the Schema Concept. Scandinavian

Journal Of Educational Research, 45(3), 287-300.

doi:10.1080/00313830120074215.

DiCecco, V. M., & Gleason, M. M. (2002). Using graphic organizers to

attain relational knowledge from expository text. Journal of Learning

Disabilities, 35(4), 306-20. Retrieved from

http://search.proquest.com/docview/ 194221419?accountid=15017.

Driscoll, M. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3rd ed.).

Boston, MA, USA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Gholson, B., & Craig, S. D. (2006). Promoting Constructive activities

that support vicarious learning during computer-based

instruction. Educational Psychology Review, 18(2), 119-139.

doi:10.1007/s10648-006-9006-3.

References – continued

Kiewra, K. A., Mayer, R. E., Dubois, N. F., Christensen, M., & al, e.

(1997). Effects of advance organizers and repeated presentations

on students' learning. The Journal of Experimental Education,

65(2), 147-147. Retrieved from http://

search.proquest.com/docview/217677182?accountid=15017.

Little, D. C., & Box, J. (2011). The use of a specific Schema Theory

Strategy- semantic mapping-to facilitate vocabulary development

and comprehension for at-risk readers. Reading Improvement,

48(1), 24-31.

McGregor, T. (2007). Comprehension connections: bridges to strategic

reading. Portsmouth, NH, USA: Heinemann.

McVee, M. B., Dunsmore, K., & Gavelek, J. R. (2005). Schema Theory

revisited. Review Of Educational Research, 75(4), 531-566.

Nichols, J. D. (2002). Schema Theory: A new twist using Duplo

models. Teaching of Psychology, 29(2), 150-151.

References – continued

Rance-Roney, J. (2010). Jump-starting language and schema for

English-Language Learners: Teacher-composed digital jumpstarts

for academic reading. Journal Of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 53(5),

386-395.

Stahl, N. A. (2006). Strategic reading and learning, theory to practice:

An interview with Michele Simpson and Sherrie Nist. Journal Of

Developmental Education, 29(3), 20-27.