Schema theory: an introduction and its application in EFL reading classroom

This article presents an introduction to the schema theory and its application in the EFL (English as Foreign Language) reading classroom. It is introduced the concepts of formal and content schemata. The bottom-up and top-down processing is analyzed as they are crucial elements to understand the schema theory. The applicability of the schema theory is discussed with examples. It is evaluated the use of the schema theory for reading purposes as well as other elements that influence the process of reading.