Nature of Reading: Theories, Steps, Materials & Characteristics
1. Nature of Reading
- Reading, similar to listening, speaking
and writing, is a communication skill.
- Reading, is a process because it has
series of acts proceeding from one step to
the next.
2. Steps Involve in Reading
Perception is the step involve in reading by
which the reader perceived the written
symbols on the text through the use of his
external senses.
Comprehension is the step involve in
reading by which the reader understands the
text.
Reaction is the step involve in reading
wherein the reader evaluates the text which
is being read.
5. Reading Theorists
Kenneth Goodman = Cognitivism
Reading is a psycholinguistic guessing game.
Jean Piaget = Cognitivism
assimilation is the process by which the
readers incorporate new experience into
an already existing knowledge.
accomodation is the process by which the
readers changes one’s already existing
knowledge as a result of the experiences.
6. Rumelhart = cognitivism
schema is the “building block of cognition.”
Patricia Carrell = cognitivism
Two kinds of schema
formal schema = rhetorical patterns of writing
content schema = culture of the reader
Keith Stanovich = Social Constructivism
context clues can be used to compensate for
the meaning of words which we do not know.
7. Characteristics of the Reading Process
Reading is a complex process
Reading is a two-way process
Reading is a largely visual process
Reading is an active process
Reading makes use of a linguistic system
which enables readers to be more effective
users of written language
Effective reading is partly dependent on the
reader’s prior knowledge or background
experiences
8. Types of Reading Materials
Developmental – scientifically prepared materials
which are aimed at developing reading skills
Remedial – specifically prepared to help learners
overcome reading difficulties
Recreatory – provide for the development of
appreciation and enjoyment of reading material
Functional – provide for the development of
comprehension and utilization of skills in areas of study