The Constructionist-Integration ( Kintsch , 1988; 2004) Model of Reading comprehension (CI) sounds like it may be a construction crew out building libraries or bookstores, but it is really a model of how working memory constructs meaning by assembling propositions (sentences or meaning units like phrases). This model is from the constructivist school of thought, which espouses the idea that we create meaning from the world around us rather than discover a meaning that was intended from the beginning. In other words, a reader brings his or her background knowledge to the text, and in that manner, he or she will have a unique reading experience no matter the book. If a sentence says "dog," one child might envision a poodle while another envisons a pit bull. Therefore, each reader interacts with and experiences the text differently. In order to understand this model, it is necessary to understand some key terminology. textbase or microstructure -- the
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