Importance of Reading Comprehension
Reading comprehension
can be defined as "understanding the written text" and is a "complex
interaction of language, sensory perception, memory, and motivational
aspects" which aims to link what is already known with what is presented
in the text to forge the comprehension of new knowledge and
understandings (Woolley, 2008, p.51; Winch, G., Ross-Johnston, R., March, P., Ljungdahl, L. & Holliday, M., 2011, p.89).
The multifarious nature of text, which can be “written or graphic, paper-based or digital" and the diversity of learners’ and their ability to comprehend these texts highlights the complexity of helping students to improve their reading comprehension (Winch et al., 2011, p.4).
To develop reading comprehension, teachers need to be armed with the understanding, skills and strategies to ensure positive literacy development. It is vital that comprehension is taught, not just tested, and the exposure to a range of strategies will assist students to practice, evaluate and find the right combination to improve their reading comprehension abilities (Konza, 2011).
Literacy development in the middle and upper primary years should include focus on compiling flexible and interchangeable reading comprehension strategies to enable students to become strategic and effective readers (Konza, 2011).
The multifarious nature of text, which can be “written or graphic, paper-based or digital" and the diversity of learners’ and their ability to comprehend these texts highlights the complexity of helping students to improve their reading comprehension (Winch et al., 2011, p.4).
To develop reading comprehension, teachers need to be armed with the understanding, skills and strategies to ensure positive literacy development. It is vital that comprehension is taught, not just tested, and the exposure to a range of strategies will assist students to practice, evaluate and find the right combination to improve their reading comprehension abilities (Konza, 2011).
Literacy development in the middle and upper primary years should include focus on compiling flexible and interchangeable reading comprehension strategies to enable students to become strategic and effective readers (Konza, 2011).
'Boy with stack of books' image courtesy of photostock at FreeDigitalPhotos.net