Which theory underscores the need to activate prior knowledge to facilitate comprehension?

Which theory underscores the need to activate prior knowledge to facilitate comprehension?

• A. Schema Theory
• B. Natural Approach
• C. TPR
• D. Interlanguage

Answer: (A)

Activating what students already know helps them make sense of new text, and that's explained by Schema Theory. This theory says we have mental frameworks, or schemas, built from our experiences, knowledge, and beliefs, and new information is understood by fitting it into those existing structures. When students are prompted to recall related experiences, vocabulary, or concepts before reading, their schemas are activated, making it easier to interpret the text, anticipate meaning, and fill in gaps as they read. In practice, you might have students discuss a familiar situation related to the text, brainstorm related words, or make predictions first, which helps them connect new ideas to what they already know. The Natural Approach focuses on language acquisition through meaningful interaction rather than on activating background knowledge for comprehension. TPR, or Total Physical Response, uses physical actions to teach language, often at beginner levels, rather than a schema-based approach to understanding texts. Interlanguage refers to the evolving internal linguistic system of a learner, not a theory about how activating prior knowledge aids reading comprehension.

Activating what students already know helps them make sense of new text, and that's explained by Schema Theory. This theory says we have mental frameworks, or schemas, built from our experiences, knowledge, and beliefs, and new information is understood by fitting it into those existing structures. When students are prompted to recall related experiences, vocabulary, or concepts before reading, their schemas are activated, making it easier to interpret the text, anticipate meaning, and fill in gaps as they read. In practice, you might have students discuss a familiar situation related to the text, brainstorm related words, or make predictions first, which helps them connect new ideas to what they already know.

The Natural Approach focuses on language acquisition through meaningful interaction rather than on activating background knowledge for comprehension. TPR, or Total Physical Response, uses physical actions to teach language, often at beginner levels, rather than a schema-based approach to understanding texts. Interlanguage refers to the evolving internal linguistic system of a learner, not a theory about how activating prior knowledge aids reading comprehension.