The intent of this essay is to provoke thought on how to increase the impact of course readings on individual and group learning. A set of strategies for tapping the generative potential of texts that build on the interpretive insights of Gadamer and Ricoeur is provided. Generative potential refers to the ability of a text to generate new thoughts, insights, and possibilities for the reader. It is argued that the realization of this potential is increased as the instructor consciously encourages students to attend to the three worlds of the text as they read—the worlds behind, in, and in front of the text.
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