What is meant by the term that involves constructing understanding from words?

The term that involves constructing understanding from words is comprehension. Comprehension refers to the ability to grasp the meaning of text, which includes understanding the vocabulary, making connections between ideas, and interpreting information presented in various forms. It is a crucial skill in reading and enables readers to process the content of what they read, leading to a deeper understanding of the material.

In the context of reading, comprehension goes beyond simply decoding words; it encompasses the reader's ability to integrate knowledge, ask questions, and infer meaning. This skill is vital for engaging with texts critically and thoughtfully, allowing readers to respond to and reflect on the content.

The other concepts, such as word recognition, fluency, and phonetics, do not specifically address the process of constructing meaning from words. Word recognition focuses on the ability to identify and read words correctly. Fluency pertains to the smoothness and speed of reading, while phonetics deals with the sounds of spoken words. Each of these plays a role in the reading process but does not encapsulate the full scope of understanding that defines comprehension.