What aspect of reading is emphasized by schema theory?

Schema theory emphasizes the importance of making connections to prior knowledge. This approach posits that an individual's understanding of new information is heavily influenced by their existing knowledge structures, or "schemas." When readers encounter new texts, they draw upon these schemas to interpret and understand what they are reading.

By relating new information to what they already know, readers can create meaning, enhance comprehension, and retain information more effectively. This process allows for a richer reading experience, as individuals can integrate new ideas with familiar concepts, leading to deeper understanding and critical thinking.

In contrast, the other choices focus on different aspects of reading skills. Visual aids can enhance comprehension, but they do not directly address the core of schema theory. Reading at a faster pace might improve fluency but does not necessarily enhance comprehension through prior knowledge connections. Lastly, while vocabulary is critical for understanding text, schema theory centralizes on how context and existing knowledge shape a reader's perception and meaning-making process, rather than focusing solely on vocabulary.