Learning from multiple texts

Multiple texts refers to different text-based sources about the same topic. Learning from multiple texts involves selecting, comprehending, evaluating, and integrating information from two or more textual sources to meet a reading goal. This article provides an overview of learning from multiple texts. We overview models that describe learning from multiple texts and review research on the role of individual differences in learning from multiple texts. Then, we describe measurement of multiple text comprehension and the representation of information about sources. Next, we discuss approaches to teaching students to integrate content information across texts and to evaluate source information critically. Later, we discuss reading on the Internet (including social media) and the use of multimedia documents and sources. We conclude with general comments about learning from multiple texts.