Reading as a Transaction

There are many contributing factors that influence us as readers, especially influencing children learning to read.  There is the reader, the text, and the context.  All of which work together in transaction.  The reader brings about schema which influences his or her knowdlege of what they already know and bring to the text.  The text is what we choose to make meaning from.  Lastly, the context which is our surrondings that play a part to how we make meaning of a text.  It is through the interaction of these factors that create reading as a transaction. 

Take a look at the model above.  Each is working in transaction with one another.  In this model, the context has a larger influence on both the reader and the text.  Therefore, having a larger impact on comprehension. 


After class discussion, EDU 541 came up with a thought ------ why can't these change?  For example, take a look at how my model would look teaching young first graders to read.  The reader would make up the larger portion/influence on reading.  They are beginning to develop themselves as readers and bring about schema that they are still building upon.  Next, the text.  This is still important a plays a large role in reading.  What they are making meaning of and how they are able to grow as reading depending on the text.  Lastly, the context.  This is smaller due to the fact that young children are just beginning to learn to read.  They have not yet fully developed in what context they are reading, yet it still plays a role.   

Take a look at my role:

What would your model of reading as a transaction look like?  For your students?  You as a reader?