Define "schema" in Piaget’s theory.

In Piaget’s theory, a schema is defined as a mental model that helps organize information. Schemas are cognitive structures that represent shared knowledge or experiences about specific concepts, objects, or events. They are essential for understanding and interpreting new information as they allow individuals to categorize and process experiences efficiently. For example, a child may have a schema for dogs that includes characteristics such as four legs, fur, and barking. When encountering a new dog, the child can use this existing schema to recognize and understand the new information they are learning.

This concept is foundational in Piaget's understanding of cognitive development, as children continually adapt their schemas through processes known as assimilation (integrating new information into existing schemas) and accommodation (modifying schemas when new information cannot fit). Understanding schemas helps educators and caregivers support cognitive growth by introducing new experiences that either enhance or challenge a child's existing knowledge.