Reading is an essential skill that enables individuals to access and engage with information in the world around them. However, it is not merely the act of decoding words but also understanding what those words mean. Monitoring comprehension is a reading strategy that can help students become more active and engaged readers. This article will discuss an overview of the strategy, the individuals or groups that were essential in its formation and promotion, how it can help Response to Intervention (RTI) students, and how to implement it in the classroom.
Overview of Monitoring Comprehension
Monitoring comprehension is the process of keeping track of one's understanding of a text while reading. It involves being aware of what one knows and does not know, identifying areas of confusion, and making connections between the text and one's prior knowledge. By monitoring comprehension, readers can take steps to clarify their understanding and adjust their reading strategies accordingly.
The Origins of Monitoring Comprehension
Louise Rosenblatt, a reading researcher, argued that the act of reading is not simply a matter of decoding words on a page but involves a dynamic interaction between the reader and the text. She promoted the idea that readers should be active in their reading and engage in a dialogue with the text. Monitoring comprehension has been a fundamental part of reading instruction for decades, and it has been promoted by many influential educators and researchers.
Monitoring Comprehension for RTI Students
RTI is a multi-tiered approach to identify and support struggling learners. Monitoring comprehension is a crucial strategy for RTI students because it allows them to identify areas of difficulty and enables teachers to provide targeted instruction and interventions to address their needs. By using monitoring comprehension, educators can detect early on any learning difficulties and provide a proactive solution to help students who may be at risk of falling behind.
Implementing Monitoring Comprehension in the Classroom
Implementing monitoring comprehension in the classroom requires specific techniques that can help students become more aware of their understanding. One such method is to use think-alouds. This strategy involves the teacher modeling the process of monitoring comprehension by verbalizing their thinking while reading aloud. This approach helps students understand how to actively engage with the text and identify areas of confusion.
Another technique to implement monitoring comprehension is to use graphic organizers. Graphic organizers provide a visual representation of the relationships between ideas in a text. By using graphic organizers, students can organize their thoughts and ideas, identify key concepts, and connect them to their prior knowledge. This process allows students to make more profound connections between the text and their personal experiences, improving their comprehension.
Conclusion
Monitoring comprehension is a crucial reading strategy that can help students become more active and engaged readers. It can be used to identify areas of difficulty, support RTI students, and improve overall reading comprehension. Teachers can implement this strategy in their classrooms through think-alouds, graphic organizers, and other targeted techniques that help students become more aware of their thinking while reading. By incorporating monitoring comprehension into reading instruction, educators can help students become more confident, capable readers, and lifelong learners.
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