A schema is "an underlying organizational pattern or structure." (Schema, n.d.) In other words, it's how one perceives anything. For example, if you don't know what a book is, how would you know what its use is with no background knowledge of that particular item? On the other hand, if a resident of Planet X, who knows what a blassgort is, gives it to an Earthling, how would the human know what it is or how to use it (if it's even usable)?

Schema theory is how background knowledge, or schemata, is a determiner of comprehension. If your students don't have the necessary background knowledge they won't be able to understand what they are learning.

How to Activate Students’ Prior Knowledge:

Students’ background knowledge or schema must be activated in order for new knowledge to be contextualized and acquired. Campbell and Campbell state,“ It goes without saying that background knowledge is contextual and culturally construed. A challenge for teachers is to insure that all students reach the same high standards while communicating respect for their students’ uniqueness... Engaging students’ preexisting knowledge or misperceptions offers teachers one way to informally diagnose their students’ baseline. This can then serve as the first critical step in the learning cycle of the classroom. By meeting students where they are, teachers can make informed, strategic decisions about the content to be taught.” Some ways to tap students’ prior knowledge include: