Reading Comprehension

If you are not comprehending what your read, what is the point of reading them? Students must comprehend what they are reading so that it is enjoyable and pleasant and teachers at the forefront of providing the strategies they need for comprehension (Frey, n.d.). Teachers, regardless of content area, are responsible in providing students these comprehension strategies – I teach mathematics, so I have my own strategies that I use in the classroom for students to break down a problem. The teacher must model the strategies and have students practice the strategies, as opposed to looking for them (Frey, n.d.). As teachers, we play the primary role of modeling how these strategies should e used through think-aloud. The think aloud allows the teacher to process their thoughts and ask questions about what they need to look for or do in regard to a text. The teacher models and gradually releases the responsibility to the students (Frey, n.d.). The teacher models the appropriate behavior, then the teacher guides the students through the desired behavior, and then the students complete the desired behavior on their own – this is what gradual release of responsibility is.

There are a few strategies that could be used while teaching comprehension strategies:

1. Learn just like how your students are learning

2. Strategy instruction enhances the comprehension for students

3. Genuinely believe in the students

4. Make sure students participate in pair discussions, group discussions, and classroom discussions (Keen and Zimmermann, 2013).

Teachers must remember that they are always learning – it is a part of the teaching profession and educators must not lose sight of improvement and refinement of their practice. Teachers learn from their students every day, whether it be through a good experience or a bad experience. Teachers learn if they have taught the students a concept correctly or if students are struggling and must go back and look at what could have been differently. Using collaborative seating and cooperative learning structures, students will interact with one another more often than in a traditional setting. Students learn more from each other than they do from the teacher, at times. It is critical that teachers believe in students. Reinforcing a positive mindset amongst educators and students will give students the hope they need when they feel they want to give up. Lastly, comprehension strategies must be used in the classroom – it is essential for the development of students’ comprehension of text.

Teachers a long-lasting impact far outside of the classroom. The strategies and tools students leave with must play a role in their development as life-long learners. Teachers must not give up on their students and continue to push them to move forward and always have high expectations.