What other processes are at work?
At the same time, two types of cognitive processing are also occurring: bottom-up and top-down processing.
Top-down processing
Top-down processing refers to utilizing schemata (background knowledge and global understanding) to derive meaning from and interpret the message. For example, in preparing for training on the operation of a new floor polisher, top-down processing is activated as the learner engages in an activity that reviews what the learner already knows about using the old floor polisher. This might entail discussing the steps in the polishing process; reviewing vocabulary such as switch, on, off, etc.; or generating a list of questions that the learner would like answered in the training.
Bottom-up processing
Bottom-up processing refers to deriving the meaning of the message based on the incoming language data, from sounds, to words, to grammatical relationships, to meaning. Stress, rhythm, and intonation also play a role in bottom-up processing. Bottom-up processing would be activated as the learner is signaled to verify comprehension by the trainer/teacher asking a question using the declarative form with rising intonation (“You see that switch there?”). Practice in recognizing statements and questions that differ only in intonation help the learner develop bottom-up processing skills.
Learners need to be aware that both of these processes affect their listening comprehension, and they need to be given opportunities to practice employing each of them.