Final answer:
The Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM) is the model of communication that acknowledges receivers' active role in constructing meaning, which occurs through central and peripheral routes of persuasion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The model of communication that includes the active role receivers play in constructing meaning is the Elaboration Likelihood Model (ELM). According to ELM, there are two main routes to persuasion: the central route and the peripheral route. When individuals are motivated and able to process information, they engage in the central route. This involves careful and thoughtful consideration of the persuasive arguments presented in the communication. Conversely, when motivation or ability to process is low, individuals may rely on peripheral cues, such as the attractiveness or credibility of the source, rather than the quality of the arguments. As such, ELM acknowledges that receivers actively engage with messages, constructing meaning, and potentially being persuaded, based on the depth of their processing.
The interaction between communicators and audience is not merely a transfer of information but a more complex exchange where meaning is actively made. This means that community programs should be designed to encourage an active role in communication among participants, as highlighted in the community education methods that favor critical reflection over passive reception of expert-driven messages. Whether in social or educational contexts, communication is seen not just as a way to convey a message but as a method to foster connections and encourage active engagement in the construction of meanings and relationships.