What is a schema according to Piaget?

According to Piaget, a schema is fundamentally a concept or framework that organizes and interprets information. Schemas are essential cognitive structures that help individuals understand the world around them by categorizing and processing experiences. For instance, as children interact with their environment, they develop schemas that evolve and adapt as they encounter new information or experiences. This ongoing process is crucial for cognitive development and allows individuals to make sense of new data by relating it to what they already know.

In essence, schemas serve as mental models that guide how we perceive and interpret various stimuli, impacting learning and understanding. This concept is integral to Piaget's theory of cognitive development, as it highlights how knowledge is built and organized over time.