Schema-activating questions are questions that help learners activate their prior knowledge and expectations about a topic before reading or listening to a text. Schema-activating questions can enhance learners’ comprehension and retention of the text by making them more aware of the relevant background information they already have or need to acquire. Schema-activating questions can also motivate learners to engage with the text and generate interest and curiosity.
For example, before reading a text about climate change, a teacher can ask schema-activating questions such as:
- What do you know about climate change?
- How does climate change affect your life or your country?
- What are some causes and consequences of climate change?
- What are some possible solutions to climate change?
These questions can help learners activate their existing knowledge about the topic, as well as identify any gaps or misconceptions they may have. They can also prepare learners to anticipate the main ideas and details of the text, and to compare their own opinions and experiences with those of the author or speaker. Schema-activating questions can be used at any level of proficiency, as long as they are appropriate for the learners’ background knowledge and language ability.