Sunday, August 4, 2024

Reading: Vertical and Horizontal Text Sets

 Author: Santosh Kumar Biswa, Sr. Teacher, Damphu CS, Tsirang, Bhutan

 

Schoenbach et al. (2012) claim that while being beneficial resources for student learning, course textbooks have several limitations. He went on to say that textbooks' identical reading levels provide the impression of a more uniform classroom than is the case and that lack of specificity is another problem with textbooks that have been nicknamed "mentioning rather than explaining." It has been shown that adding vertical and horizontal text sets to reading materials can help solve this problem.

The major differences between vertical and horizontal text sets

The use of texts in a reading program can be done in two different ways: vertically and horizontally. The degree of difficulty and the kind of information offered is what distinguishes them most from one another.

Vertical text sets, which include texts that vary in reading level and complexity on the same theme or topic, offer a variety of entrance points to address the range of reading skills in a class (Schoenbach et al., 2012). By starting with easier texts and progressing to more difficult ones, this strategy enables readers to gradually improve their reading comprehension and fluency. On the other hand, horizontal text sets, which are composed of texts that are all at the same reading level but offer different perspectives or information on the same topic or theme, provide more detail or different viewpoints regarding a topic (Schoenbach et al., 2012). By exposing readers to various viewpoints and more information, this strategy helps them gain a greater grasp of the subject.

Depending on the objectives and requirements of the reading program, both vertical and horizontal text sets can be employed in a variety of contexts and have their advantages. However, horizontal text sets are frequently utilized to create a deeper grasp of a subject while vertical text sets are frequently employed to enhance the development of reading skills. 

A situation where one type of text set may be more useful than the other.

Depending on the learning objectives, both vertical and horizontal text sets can be employed in a variety of contexts and have advantages.

When reading comprehension and reading skills are the main objectives, vertical text sets may be more advantageous. For instance, if a teacher wishes to assist students in reading non-fiction works, they can begin with a straightforward text that is appropriate for the student's reading ability and then progressively raise the degree of difficulty as they go along. In this case, a vertical text set with texts that get harder as they go can offer the scaffolding and assistance students need to improve their reading abilities. Unfortunately, because it is more of a manner of scrolling through one article or the same piece to establish false credibility and because it is such a simple process, vertical reading does not necessarily result in deeper reading or meaningful study (Starke, 2020).

On the other hand, when attempting to convey a deeper grasp of a subject, horizontal text sets may be more advantageous. For instance, if a teacher wants to instruct students on a certain historical event, they may employ a collection of books that discuss the same event from several angles or with varying amounts of detail. A horizontal text set can aid students in comprehending the intricacy of the problem and the various points of view involved.

In conclusion, vertical text sets may be more advantageous when supporting the development of reading abilities, whereas horizontal text sets may be more advantageous when fostering a deeper grasp of a subject.

References

Schoenbach, et al. (2012). Reading for understanding: How reading apprenticeship improves disciplinary learning in secondary and college classrooms. Retrieved from eBook Central (LIRN).

Starke, K. (2020). Lateral Reading vs. Vertical Reading: Differences and Benefits. TeachHUB. https://www.teachhub.com/professional-development/2020/10/lateral-reading-vs-vertical-reading-differences-and-benefits/

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