Schemas and instruction

Adopting schema theory as the basis of instruction almost certainly necessitates a complete restructuring of the curriculum. It also raises questions about the nature of learning. In this part and the next, I address these two issues. 

I present the theoretical linkages between schema theory and instruction. Chapter 4 contains an extension of schema theory 

Chapter 5 shows how schema theory can be practically implemented. It gives a detailed description of one example of schema-based instruction, the Story Problem Solver (SPS). SPS is a computer-based system of instruction constructed around schema theory, using the basis set of schemas developed in chapter 3. It provides fundamental instruction enabling students to build schemas. A second computer program, the Problem Solving Environment (PSE), is also described in chapter 5. PSE provides an exploratory environment in which students can practice and utilize their schema knowledge about story problems. 

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