group+11+module+8+questions

1. What does research say about the topic? GJ: Research indicates that students can be taught comprehension strategies to use before, during, and after reading. These along with motivation, have led to increased comprehension for the student. Students seem to have better comprehension scores when teachers are trained to teach comprehension strategies. JZ: Comprehension instruction is best when it focuses on a few well taught & learned strategies. Intensive instruction of teachers can prepare them to teach reading comprehension which can help students understand how to use strategies which will equal improved comprehension hopefully. JD: Research says that comprehension strategies must be implemented to in a reading program. Comprehension is one of the five components of reading instruction.

2. Why must teachers go through extensive preparation to teach comprehension? GJ: There is so much involved in teaching the strategies. There are so many strategies to choose from, then deciding if it is a before,during,or after reading strategy you are going to teach. Most teachers don't know what the strategies are, or how to teach them. They need to practice the strategies before standing in front of a class. JZ: I agree. When I was in school we were hardly taught about strategies! JD: Comprehension takes every reading strategy aspect and puts it all together. If a student is weak in sertain areas, this could hinder their comprehension abilities. Phonics, Phonemic Awareness, Vocabulary, and fluency contribute to the comprehension process.

3. Why has the pendulum changed to balance comprehensive instruction? GJ: Students learn more when they are taught specific comprehension strategies along with the chance for reading, writing, and discussing the text. JZ:It just makes sense that if you pull from different areas you will have a better chance of success. JD: According to research, good comprehension strategies includes both explicit instruction and opportunity for reading,writing, nad discussion of text.

Your questions GJ: How do you convince your principal that all teachers need to be trained in how to use reading strategies? JZ: Do you have a few favorite strategies that you would recommend for 1st graders? JD: What is your favorite model of comprehension instruction?