Reading Models
Reading Models
by Ken Boothe
Leah B. Walter
Introduction
An interactive reading model attempts to combine the valid insights of bottom-up and top-
down models. It attempts to take into account the strong points of the bottom-up and top-
down models, and tries to avoid the criticisms leveled against each, making it one of the
most promising approaches to the theory of reading today. (McCormick, T. 1988)
Definition
An interactive reading model is a reading model that recognizes the interaction of bottom-
up and top-down processes simultaneously throughout the reading process.
Proponents
Here are some proponents of the interactive reading model:
• Rumelhart, D. 1985
• Barr, Sadow, and Blachowicz 1990
• The interactive model suggests that the reader constructs meaning by the selective
use of information from all sources of meaning (graphemic, phonemic,
morphemic, syntax, semantics) without adherence to any one set order. The reader
simultaneously uses all levels of processing even though one source of meaning
can be primary at a given time. (Dechant 1991)
Kenneth Goodman:
• An interactive model is one which uses print as input and has meaning as output.
But the reader provides input, too, and the reader, interacting with the text, is
selective in using just as little of the cues from text as necessary to construct
meaning. (Goodman, K. 1981)
David E. Rumelhart:
Introduction
The Multistrategy instructional program reflects the trend in the 1980s to
relate literacy more to the sociocultural context in which it takes place. The
program is based on the greatest possible community input and control.
Community members make decisions, choose the people to take part, and
choose the themes for the materials to meet the felt needs of the community.
When community members are in control in this way, materials and
teaching patterns reflect the sociocultural factors important to the
community.
Tip: This module is based on the revision of the book Working together
for literacy by Mary Stringer. Because this book is an external
document, each link to it opens a PDF file using the Acrobat Reader
program and displays the first page of the book. You can jump to a
specific location in the book by using the appropriate bookmark in
the outline window.