Cognitive Learning Theories v Information Processing Theory v

Cognitive Learning Theories v Information Processing Theory v Schema Theory Dept of Educational Technology, SNDTU

Schema Theory Schema are complex, interconnected knowledge structures (relationships) that exist in the long-term memory storage regions of the brain. Dept of Educational Technology, SNDTU

Schema Theory Schema are built up over time in a network pattern of propositions and expand as we interact with the world around us. (Bartlett, 1932) Schema are affected by our sensory perceptions, and our schema color our perceptions as we interact with the world. Dept of Educational Technology, SNDTU

Schema Theory Rumelhart & Norman (1981) Learning takes place as schemata accommodate to new perceptions. This accommodation can take on any of three forms: Ø Accretion Ø Schema Tuning Ø Schema Creation Dept of Educational Technology, SNDTU

Schema Theory Accretion There is a match between the new information and an existing schemata, so the new information is simply added to the existing schemata. Dept of Educational Technology, SNDTU

Schema Theory Schema Tuning When there is dissonance between new information and an existing schemata, our brain must resolve the dissonance by rejecting the new idea, rejecting our existing schemata, or modifying our existing schemata to accommodate the new idea. Dept of Educational Technology, SNDTU

Schema Theory Schema Creation When we encounter something new, we attempt to associate it with existing schema, typically through analogy (e. g. , a whale is like a fish but it is warm-blooded like a mammal). Dept of Educational Technology, SNDTU