Interactive model

Definition

The interactive model is a theoretical framework in reading that emphasizes the simultaneous processing of multiple sources of information during the reading process. This model suggests that readers use both bottom-up processes, like decoding text, and top-down processes, such as prior knowledge and context, to make sense of written language. The interplay between these processes allows for a more dynamic and flexible approach to understanding text.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The interactive model highlights that reading is not a linear process; rather, it involves continuous back-and-forth movement between understanding the text and drawing on background knowledge.
2. Readers employing the interactive model are more adept at adjusting their reading strategies based on the complexity of the text and their comprehension needs.
3. This model helps explain why different readers may interpret the same text in varied ways due to their unique experiences and knowledge bases.
4. Research supporting the interactive model shows that effective reading instruction should integrate both bottom-up and top-down strategies to enhance comprehension.
5. The interactive model has implications for teaching reading, suggesting that educators should foster an environment that encourages students to connect new information with what they already know.

Review Questions

• How does the interactive model differ from purely bottom-up or top-down processing approaches in reading?
  • The interactive model differs from purely bottom-up or top-down processing by integrating both approaches simultaneously during reading. While bottom-up processing focuses solely on decoding text from letters to words, and top-down processing relies on background knowledge and context to interpret meaning, the interactive model allows readers to flexibly switch between these strategies. This dynamic interplay enhances comprehension by enabling readers to adjust their understanding based on both textual information and their own experiences.
• In what ways does the interactive model suggest implications for reading instruction in educational settings?
  • The interactive model suggests that effective reading instruction should incorporate both decoding skills and the development of background knowledge. Educators can enhance comprehension by teaching students to recognize how their prior experiences and context can influence their understanding of a text. Instructional strategies might include pre-reading activities that activate students' existing schemas, alongside exercises that practice decoding skills. This holistic approach prepares students to tackle texts more successfully by making connections between new information and what they already know.
• Evaluate the significance of the interactive model in understanding individual differences in reading comprehension among diverse learners.
  • The significance of the interactive model lies in its recognition that reading comprehension varies among individuals due to differing backgrounds, experiences, and cognitive processes. By acknowledging that some readers may rely more heavily on bottom-up or top-down strategies depending on their familiarity with a topic, educators can tailor instruction to meet diverse learners' needs. This understanding promotes a more personalized approach to teaching reading, ultimately fostering better comprehension outcomes for all students as they engage with texts in ways that best suit their unique learning profiles.

Related terms

Bottom-up processing: A reading approach that starts with recognizing individual letters and sounds, gradually building up to understanding words and sentences.

Top-down processing:

A cognitive process where readers use their prior knowledge, expectations, and context to interpret and understand information in a text.

Schema theory: A theory suggesting that all knowledge is organized into units or schemas, which help readers make sense of new information based on their existing knowledge.