Monitoring Understanding
As new knowledge builds on existing knowledge, readers need to continually review their understanding of texts and use fix-up strategies when required (Winch, G., Ross-Johnston, R., March, P., Ljungdahl, L. & Holliday, M., 2011; Konza, 2011).
Specific Pedagogies
Methods to assist students include:
- evaluating each page after reading
- making connections with earlier pages
- completing missing words activities (i.e. cloze procedure)
- sequencing randomised text
- matching images with words
- rewording information
- connecting information from different sections of the text
(Winch et al., 2011)
Ways to Adapt for Diverse Learners
The “Click or Clunk” strategy is a tool students can use to self-monitor their comprehension (Wright, 2001; Babbs, 1984). Students can frequently check their understanding of sentences, paragraphs, pages and chapters while they read, and when faced with difficulty, they can refer to a checklist to help resolve the issue (Wright, 2001).
To illustrate:
By assessing and adjusting their own comprehension, students are empowered by directing their own learning (Babbs, 1984).
To illustrate:
- As students reach the end of a sentence, they ask themselves, “Did I understand this sentence?” If they understand they say, “Click!” and continue reading. If they do not understand they say, “Clunk!” and refer to a reading strategy checklist to address the issue.
- Similarly, students can ask relevant questions at the end of every paragraph, page and chapter, to continually reinforce their understanding with the support of a checklist (Wright, 2001).
By assessing and adjusting their own comprehension, students are empowered by directing their own learning (Babbs, 1984).
'Electric bulbs' image courtesy of Pixabay