Lesson 3

Reading as a Physiological Process

In the physiological process, the most basic step is for the eyes to see,
identify, and recognize the printed word or images (illustration,
diagram, picture).
Scientific experiment shown that there are several eye movements:
(a) Fixation the eyes stopping or getting fixated on the word or
words. The duration of fixation is the length of time the eyes has to
pause.
(b)Inter-fixation the eyes moving from stopping point to the other.
(c) Return sweeps eyes swinging back from the end line to the
beginning of the next line.
(d)Saccades a short quick hop and jump movements; to move
ahead on a line of print.
(e) Regressions backward right-to-left movement in case there is
need to double check what is being read.
(f) Span of recognition the eyes recognition of a group of words. It
is believed that readers can add to their reading ability by widening
the span of recognition by means of chunking of phrase, a focus on
the total word pattern. As the span widens, fixation decreases
resulting in increased speed in reading.

Reading as a Cognitive Process

Selecting and combining relevant items of experience that are implied
by the immediate context, by the authors mood, tone, or intention,
and by everything the reader knows that makes clear the meaning of
the passage. (Richards)
Selecting the right elements of the situation and putting together in
the right amount of weight of influence or force for each. (Thorndike)
Analyzing these mental activities, reading experts have also
highlighted such acts as observation, data judgment, recall,
imagination, problem recognition, analysis etc.
At this stage, it helps to know that there are levels of comprehension.

Reading as a Communication Process

Reading is a form of communication between the author and the
readers.
It builds understanding between the readers and the writer.
 Through reading the readers will be able to get the idea expressed by
the author in the text.
Reading as a Skill
Reading skills did not come to you in a single flash.
Reading is continuously developing/improving.

Reading Skills Ladder (Grace Goddel)

16. Reading from the

15. Exposure to reading from
mass media
14. Starting your private library
collection
13. Borrowing library books for
research and enjoyment
12. Using the encyclopedias and
other reference books
11. Using the dictionary
10. Using parts of the book
9. Classifying and
8. Interfering meanings, drawing
conclusions
7. Finding the supporting
6. Finding the main idea
5. Vocabulary building
4. Using context clues
3. Using structural
2. Using phonetic
1. Basic sight words