Schema theory proposes that learning occurs as learners add new information to existing cognitive frameworks called schemata. Key factors that influence learning according to schema theory are prior knowledge and how meaningfully instructional content is organized and presented. Effective instruction activates relevant prior knowledge and makes connections between new and existing information clear. The role of the learner is to build upon and modify schemata to incorporate new knowledge, while the instructor structures content and activities to facilitate these processes. Schema theory explains learning that involves building upon previous understanding and can apply to a wide range of topics.