Leeskaders

Leeskaders are a concept in educational psychology and reading instruction. They refer to the mental frameworks or schemata that a reader brings to a text. These frameworks are built from prior knowledge, experiences, cultural background, and previous encounters with similar texts. When a reader encounters new information, they attempt to fit it into their existing leeskaders. If the new information is consistent with their existing schemata, it is easily understood and integrated. However, if the new information conflicts with or is significantly different from their leeskaders, comprehension may be difficult or require the reader to modify or create new frameworks.

The effectiveness of a reader's leeskaders is crucial for comprehension. Readers with well-developed and relevant leeskaders are generally better able to understand and interpret texts. Educators often strive to activate and build upon students' leeskaders through pre-reading activities, discussions, and by connecting new material to students' existing knowledge. This helps to make learning more meaningful and facilitates deeper understanding. The concept highlights the active role of the reader in constructing meaning, rather than passively receiving information. Understanding leeskaders helps explain why different readers may interpret the same text in different ways.