Transactional Theory of Reading by Louise Rosenblatt

Core Concept

• Unique Reader Experience: Every reader brings their own background and experiences to reading.
  • Example: Reading about farming.
    • A reader from a farming family will have more connection and understanding than one without farming experience.

Importance of Reader-Text Interaction

• Transactional Nature: Reading is seen as a transaction between the text and the reader.
  • Enhances comprehension through this interaction.

Types of Reader Responses

1. Efferent Response
   • Applies to informational text.
   • Focus on deriving factual information.
2. Aesthetic Response
   • Applies to literature.
   • Connection based on emotions and personal feelings.

Ways to Connect with Text

• Text to Self: Relate the text to personal life experiences.
• Text to Text: Relate the text to other readings or stories.
• Text to World: Relate the text to world events or situations.

Educational Implications

• Reading Response Theory: Also known as transactional theory.
  • Constructivist approach: Emphasizes the active role of the reader in constructing meaning.

Conclusion

• Connecting personally with a text aids in better comprehension and recall.
• The theory highlights the importance of individual experiences in the reading process.