Reading Proficiency in Middle School

Paper Summary:

This paper discusses the reading proficiencies of students in grades 5-12 and the problems that exist. It focuses on M. Hamm and D. Adam's work "New Designs for Teaching and Learning: Promoting Active Learning in Tomorrow's Schools." The paper describes the writer's experiences as a teacher at Rombout Middle school and the strategies that she employed to improve learning.

Table of Contents:
Experimental Hypothesis
Experimental Method
Class Discussions and Discussion Maps
Concept Mapping
ABC Method of Questioning
QAR Method
The Use of Visuals
Identifying Limitations of Literacy Strategies
Analyzing the Application of the Active Instructional Approach to the Four Literacy Methods
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"When an active hands-on element using practical materials was incorporated into the lesson, the resulting improvements in student involvement and lesson retention was observed across the board instead of benefiting primarily the best students disproportionately. The objective data was provided by improved performance on quizzes in every literacy method group when lessons included materials that facilitated hands-on involvement. Likewise, student responses to questionnaires indicated a universal appreciation for the hands-on classroom approach. The hands-on active instructional method seems to complement each of the four literacy methods, in addition to taking fuller advantage of the proven benefits of using visual aides. Future avenues of research suggested by this project would include studies designed to identify which of the four literacy methods represents the optimal combination of hands-on active participation lesson materials with instructional lesson elements."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Adams, D. & Hamm, M. (1994). New designs for teaching and learning: Promoting active learning in tomorrow's schools. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

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