Efferent reading

Definition

Efferent reading refers to a type of reading focused on extracting information, facts, or knowledge from a text, rather than engaging with it aesthetically or emotionally. This approach prioritizes understanding and retention of the content, making it particularly relevant in educational contexts where comprehension and analysis are key goals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Efferent reading is often utilized in academic settings where students are tasked with gathering specific information or developing critical thinking skills based on textual content.
2. This type of reading contrasts with aesthetic reading, as it does not focus on personal enjoyment or emotional engagement with the narrative.
3. Efferent reading can be seen as a strategy for effective study, allowing readers to take notes and summarize key points for future reference.
4. Understanding efferent reading can enhance a reader's ability to critically evaluate texts, especially in research or analytical contexts.
5. Efferent reading plays an important role in building literacy skills, helping readers to navigate complex texts and extract relevant information efficiently.

Review Questions

• How does efferent reading differ from aesthetic reading in terms of engagement with a text?
  • Efferent reading is focused on extracting information and understanding the content of a text, while aesthetic reading emphasizes emotional and sensory engagement with the narrative. In efferent reading, the goal is to retain facts and knowledge, often for academic purposes, whereas aesthetic reading invites readers to immerse themselves in the beauty and artistry of the language, allowing for a more subjective experience.
• In what ways does transactional theory relate to the concept of efferent reading?
  • Transactional theory highlights the interaction between the reader and the text, suggesting that meaning is created through this dynamic relationship. Efferent reading fits within this framework as it involves readers actively engaging with texts to extract specific information. By focusing on content comprehension rather than emotional response, efferent reading exemplifies how readers construct meaning through their intended purpose for reading.
• Evaluate the significance of efferent reading in developing critical literacy skills among students.
  • Efferent reading is crucial for developing critical literacy skills because it encourages students to analyze and synthesize information from texts. This form of reading enables them to identify key ideas, make connections between concepts, and assess the credibility of sources. By practicing efferent reading strategies, students become more adept at navigating complex information landscapes, which is essential for success in academic environments and informed citizenship.

Related terms

aesthetic reading: Aesthetic reading emphasizes the emotional, sensory, and imaginative experience of a text, engaging with its artistic elements rather than solely its informational content.

transactional theory: Transactional theory posits that reading is a dynamic interaction between the reader and the text, where meaning is constructed through the transaction between the two.

reader-response theory: Reader-response theory emphasizes the reader's role in creating meaning from a text, considering individual experiences and perspectives as essential to understanding.