Schema as a Springboard for Professional Reading Competence: Activating Schema via Self-Generated Questioning

Abstract

Abstract-To examine the impact of schema theory, the researcher conducted single-group pre-test-post-test experimental research investigating the effect of schema theory as a reading tool to enhance the professional reading competence of engineering students at Bangkok University, Thailand. Reading comprehension tests and a self-reported questionnaire were used as data collection tools to acquire information. The pre-and post-test scores were calculated by descriptive statistics and compared using a dependent t-test measure. It was found that students obtained higher scores for the post-test than for the pre-test at the 0.01 level of significance. That is, schema activated via pre-reading self-generated questions can help students develop their reading competence. Additionally, students stated that activating schema via self-generated questions during a pre-reading activity helped them to understand text better. This study strongly confirmed the previous studies showing that schemata significantly promote reading competence.

The Impact of Schema Activation Strategy through Quranic Stories on Improving EFL Secondary Stage Al-Azhar Students' Reading Comprehension Skills

“…The results of the study came in accordance with other studies in the field (Munsakorn, 2015;Almenour, 214;Khanam, Zahid and Mondol, 2014;Mahmood, Niko and Bonyadi, 2013;Khodadady and Elahi, 2012;Alghazo and Alghazo, 2005). All the pre-mentioned studies assured the effectiveness of using schema activation strategy in promoting the students' reading comprehension.…”