Author: Ouafaa Belouiza, Bani Koumachi, Abdelkhalk Er-Rechydy

Abstract: Prior knowledge plays a crucial role in students' performance when it comes to utilizing effective reading strategies. When students possess prior knowledge related to the topic they are reading about, they can make connections, draw upon their existing understanding, and engage in more meaningful comprehension. Having prior knowledge allows students to activate their schema, which refers to the mental framework of information and experiences they have already acquired. This schema acts as a foundation for new learning and helps students make sense of new information. For example, if a student has prior knowledge about the solar system, they can easily comprehend and retain new information about planets or space exploration. Moreover, prior knowledge enables students to predict and anticipate what they might encounter while reading. By activating their prior knowledge, students can generate hypotheses about the content of the text, which enhances their engagement and motivation.

Keywords: Prior Knwoledge, Students’ Performance, Schemata, Reading Strategies, Comprehension

Article Info: Received: 10 May 2024; Received in revised form: 07 Jun 2024; Accepted: 15 Jun 2024; Available online: 23 Jun, 2024

DOI: 10.22161/ijels.93.49