At what point should teachers activate relevant schemata?

Activating relevant schemata is a crucial part of the learning process that involves connecting new information to what students already know. The most effective time to do this is when students begin to read, as it allows them to make connections that enhance comprehension and retention. By tapping into their background knowledge at this stage, students are better equipped to understand and integrate new concepts.

When students activate their existing schemata as they start reading, they can relate the new material to prior experiences or knowledge, which promotes deeper understanding. This strategy engages students and prepares them to think critically about the new information while reading, leading to a more meaningful learning experience.

In other scenarios, such as at the end of a lesson or only during assessments, the opportunity to deepen understanding through connection-making is missed. Similarly, introducing a new topic is important, but the moment they begin to read is key for effective learning, as it situates their thinking in the context of the text. Thus, the optimal time for activating relevant schemata is precisely when students begin to engage with the reading material.