What is thematic integrative reading, and how can it help build critical thinking and interdisciplinary knowledge integration skills?

Thematic integrative reading is a reading method that involves critical and integrated reading and reorganization of texts from different perspectives and forms on the same or similar topics. Readers choose a topic, select and read related texts, compare and analyze the content of each text, and form their own point of view. This helps readers develop critical thinking skills and knowledge integration, and cultivate creative problem-solving skills based on knowledge from various fields.

 

Thematic integrative reading is the critical and integrated reading and reorganization of texts with different perspectives and forms on the same or similar topics and themes. In this case, readers should not only compare texts with different content and formats, but also integrate the content of the selected texts according to the purpose of the reading to form their own perspective on the topic. This requires more than just reading multiple texts; it requires the ability to analyze the perspectives presented by each text and reorganize them to fit into one’s own system of thought. The process of thematic integrative reading can vary depending on the purpose of the reading, but it usually follows the following steps.
First, the reader decides on a topic to explore based on the purpose of the reading. It is important to consider your interests and learning goals when choosing a topic. Choosing a topic is an important step in determining the direction of your reading, and you should consider your level of knowledge and interests during this process. For example, if you’re interested in environmental issues, you might choose a topic related to climate change, renewable energy, or environmental policy. Then, by referring to book titles or book reviews, they can find books related to the topic and create a reading list. During this process, readers are encouraged to explore a wide range of resources related to the topic to enrich their list. Book recommendations from online bookstores, subject categories in libraries, etc. can be useful. Next, quickly skim through the books you’ve collected to figure out which parts of the book you want to focus on; if a book isn’t relevant to your topic, you can remove it from your reading list altogether or replace it with something else. This activity helps you refine the topic you want to explore. When you read the selections, read them carefully, but make sure you understand what you read in your own words. Analyzing in your own words means interpreting the key concepts in the text as they relate to your topic of inquiry.
When you’re done reading, you compare the content, form, and author’s point of view of the texts to form your own perspective on the topic you’re exploring. Your own perspective may be formed by criticizing or supporting a particular point of view in the texts you read, or it may be a new perspective that differs from that of the texts you read. This process requires both critical and creative thinking. You can use the texts you’ve already read as evidence to support your point of view, and you can cite sections of the texts to do so. When quoting, make sure to give credit to the correct source to lend credibility to the reader.
Interdisciplinary reading helps you develop critical thinking skills by comparing different points of view, and it also builds reasoning skills as you try to understand the intentions and perspectives of different authors. Critical thinking involves evaluating the logical structure of a text and the validity of the evidence presented, rather than simply accepting the content of a text. It also requires you to read multiple texts without bias, so you can develop a balanced understanding of a topic and generate knowledge from a wide range of disciplines. This is especially important in academic research and the acquisition of specialized knowledge.
In modern society, the living environment has become more diverse than in the past, and this has led to an increase in complex social problems. Social problems of this nature cannot be solved with the knowledge of only one discipline. We need to integrate knowledge from the humanities, natural sciences, engineering, and the arts to create new solutions that have never existed before. For example, solving urban problems requires knowledge from several disciplines, including urban planning, sociology, economics, and environmental science. In this regard, interdisciplinary reading is gaining traction as a way of reading that develops the skills we all need to live in the modern world. Integrative thinking plays an important role not only in professional success but also in personal growth and development. Interdisciplinary reading helps to develop complex problem-solving skills through the integration of knowledge, which in turn helps us to be flexible and adaptable to the rapid changes in the modern world.
Therefore, interdisciplinary reading should be practiced to develop the ability to integrate knowledge from different fields and generate new ideas based on them. It is an important way of reading that can enhance your professional development and contribute to solving social problems. Interdisciplinary reading is more than just reading; it is an essential tool for fusing knowledge and finding new solutions. Furthermore, this method of reading is part of lifelong learning, providing a foundation for readers to continue to grow and develop. Through interdisciplinary reading, readers can actively respond to the changing social environment and cultivate the ability to think creatively and innovatively. These will ultimately become important competencies that contribute to the development of individuals and society.