Abstract This paper addresses the problem of weak reading skills in middle school students, and suggests educational approaches to improving readingcomprehension in particular. The author recommends that teachers, the instructional and/or educational materials and the educational policies should be at the forefront in assisting middle school children to acquire the readingcomprehension skills they need. The role of each is described in the paper. Additionally, accommodations are recommended for children with special educational needs. The paper also lists the five essential components of reading instruction, describing the importance of each one. The paper concludes by stating students also take responsibility for their reading progress by practicing regularly.
Outline:
Introduction
Review of Related Literature
Factors to increasing the readingcomprehension abilities of the middle graders
The Teachers
Provision of More time for the Students
Maintenance of Research Based Curriculum and Instructional Approaches Regarding ReadingComprehension Reference List
From the Paper "Indeed, there have been recent studies conducted which reveal that reading and comprehension is becoming a challenging tasks for the teachers, particularly when they are handling the students from the middle grades. Students who are in the in their middle age of learning are already being taught for proper reading and comprehension. However, there are reports that show that there are increasing number of students who have gone to higher levels but "are still not fully equipped with the right reading and comprehension perspectives," thus a big task to teachers and other educational facilitators nowadays is how to increase the reading comprehension of students in the middle school (Snow, 2002)."
Abstract This paper attempts to analyze the best possible practices to improve the reading and comprehension of students, particularly elementary school students. This paper identifies the characteristics of elementary students and categorizes the different approaches used when teaching elementary students reading and comprehension.
Outline:
Introduction
Purpose of the Study
Hypothesis
Significance of the Study
Methodology
Research and Plan Solution Strategy
The Teachers
Additional Time
High-Quality Research Based Curriculum and Instruction
Phonemic Awareness
Phonics
Vocabulary Fluency
Comprehension Other Important Instructional Methods
Preschool and Early Literacy Opportunities
Implementation Plan and Matrix
Evaluation/Assessment Plan
From the Paper "There has been much debate about phonics instruction. However, recent research has given phonics another look and has determined phonic instruction is needed (Hempenstall, 2002). Students that master phonics will have the decoding process in hand and can focus on building fluency and comprehension. Use direct, systematic explicit phonics instruction as a primary component of a reading program. CIEA states, "Systematic instruction includes a carefully selected set of letter-sound relationships that are organized into a logical sequence, and explicit are programs that provide teachers with specific directions for the teaching of these relationship" (Hempenstall, 2002). The issue is not whether to use phonics or whole language in reading instruction. "Rather, the issue is how phonics is used; as a primary component of a reading program, as well as when we use phonics; at the beginning reading level" (Hempenstall, 2002). "
Tags:reading, comprehension, teaching, understanding, phonetical, motivation, practice
Abstract In this article, the writer discusses that among the many plausible reasons for helping students build vocabulary, perhaps the most important is the contribution of vocabulary knowledge to readingcomprehension. The writer notes that one of the most enduring findings in reading research concerns the extent to which students' vocabulary knowledge relates to their readingcomprehension. The writer points out that given that students' success in school and beyond depends in great measure upon their ability to read with comprehension, there is an urgent need to provide instruction that equips students with the skills and strategies necessary for lifelong vocabulary development. The writer concludes that readingcomprehension places heavy demands not only on classroom teachers but also on curriculum planners, community workers, and parents.
Outline:
Introduction
History of Vocabulary ~ What is Vocabulary?
The Influence of National and State Standards
Two Best Assessment Procedures
Role of Technology
"Best Instructional" Practices in Reading and Writing
Five Dimensions of Learning Specifically Related to Vocabulary Why is This Topic Important for Teachers?
From the Paper "Vocabulary is knowledge of words and word meanings. However, vocabulary is more complex than this definition suggests. Most commonly, words come in two forms: oral and print. Oral vocabulary includes the words that we recognize and use in listening and speaking. Print vocabulary, are those words that we recognize and use in reading and writing. Next, we have word knowledge, which also comes in two forms, receptive and productive. Receptive vocabulary includes the words that we recognize when we hear or see them. Productive vocabularies are words that we use when we speak or write. According to research, receptive vocabulary is typically larger than productive vocabulary, and may include many words to which we give meaning, even if we don't know their full definitions - or ever use them ourselves when we speak and write."
Abstract In this paper, the writer researches the subject of readingcomprehension at the third grade level. The particular issue of vocabulary has been selected to further focus this study. The writer notes that students at the third grade level appear to lag in their acquisition of vocabulary, which affects their readingcomprehension at this level. The writer points out that due to the varied perspectives on teaching vocabulary, it would appear that a varied approach is needed in teaching vocabulary in terms of readingcomprehension. The writer maintains that context, symbols and media all have a place in teaching vocabulary, although none of these things should take precedence over the others. The paper also includes appendix, definitions and additional sources.
Outline:
Problem Statement
Proof of the Problem
Chart #1a Vocabulary Chart#1b Word Use
Chart #1c
Word Use
Chart #1d
ReadingComprehension
Goals and Objectives
Setting
School Community
Role of the Writer
Problem Rationale
From the Paper "Although this drop in proficiency is not as dramatic as noted across the state of Georgia, this drop should be taken as a suggestion that a problem may exist with student comprehension of the material being taught. It is interesting to note, however, that while the percentage of students meeting or exceeding the AYP requirements dropped, the percentage of students showing advanced proficiency actually increased. However, the total of 81.1% of students meeting or exceeding the AYP requirements is one that suggests that our students do not receive adequate Reading instruction. A goal of 100% reading proficiency does not seem unreasonable, if Magnolia Elementary School is going to prepare students to be competent individuals entering the business world."
Abstract A paper concerning the effects of rap music and time pressure on readingcomprehension. What effects does rap have on readingcomprehension? Does time play a factor in the relationship between readingcomprehension and rap?
Abstract This paper discusses readingcomprehension methods for college students, and examines five articles published in "Reading Teacher, Reading Improvement, Reading Research and Instruction, and Reading Horizons" in order to compare current reading strategies.
Abstract This paper identifies the techniques present in three articles that focus specifically on readingcomprehension and how educational methods address learning disabilities in terms of readingcomprehension and writing performance.
Abstract This paper reviews four scholarly articles which address readingcomprehension and reading fluency. The paper looks at the main considerations of each paper, the key ideas, the essential methodologies and the final conclusions. Further, the writer discusses what he has learned from reviewing the aforementioned materials and how this will impact upcoming research projects.
From the Paper "Turning to Jenkins and Fuchs, they are aided by the fact that their sample size of 113 students is considerably larger than the relatively puny sample sizes offered by Calhoon and by Yurick et al. Furthermore, Jenkins and Fuchs employ correlation and hierarchical regression analysis to determine the accuracy and validity of their findings; Yurick et al do not employ anything approximating this. Finally, Calhoon does use the WJ-III Compu-score and Profiles Program in addition to ANOVA - but her sample size is so tiny (only 38 students) that one is left to wonder how truly reflective it really is."
Abstract This paper is three different summaries of studies completed on readingcomprehension. An interactive teaching strategy in which students were helped with note taking efforts was used as the study design format.
Abstract In this article, the writer notes that English Learners (ELs) are of particular concern for educators in recent years. The writer points out that though many problems exist in teaching children for whom English is a second language, readingcomprehension is one of the greatest issues. The writer discusses that children who cannot understand and make deductions based on hearing or reading narrative texts have problems with comprehension in all other areas. The writer maintains that focusing on narrative text comprehension in younger ELs is therefore necessary in combating the overall problems associated with teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) to young learners. The writer concludes that while the focus would obviously be to achieve fluency in young ELs, all students in a vocabulary intensive classroom with thoughtfully chosen reading narratives will benefit from greater comprehension, better cohesion as a class, and a more positive outlook on learning.
From the Paper "Richards, Leafstedt, and Gerber found that k-1 EFL students have poor phonological skills, rapid-naming abilities, invented spelling, and phonological spelling, leading teachers to refer many ELs to special education. However, only 2-5% of children have learning disabilities - a much lower number than those who are referred. Administrators must identify ELs who are not learning disabled and provide intensive reading and comprehension instruction. Intensive programs for younger ELs would likely include narrative texts since they are common for use at that age level. Slavinn and Cheung also recommend that administrators provide ample classroom support and training for EFL teachers."
Abstract This paper analyzes fifteen current sources to determine the most effective means to teach vocabulary and readingcomprehension. The paper discusses the importance of vocabulary and readingcomprehension to literacy, especially at the second grade level. The paper suggests four solutions or strategies to be given to teachers to help teach these topics in a second grade class.
From the Paper "Review of the Literature Fact-finding It has been noted, in recent literature, that vocabulary development has often been ignored, even when reading comprehension is the aim of the educator. However, research has also continually linked vocabulary familiarity to the greater depths of reading comprehension in students. This is especially crucial in students who are English Language Learners, or primary students who are learning the vocabulary of life. Thus, second grade and other primary educators should analyze methods appropriate for vocabulary instruction. Second grade is a crucial year regarding gains in decisive vocabulary acquisition and reading comprehension. Farkas (2000) denotes that students who have low ability levels in these areas in the second grade are now gaining in maturity and realizing these negative impacts upon themselves. "
Abstract This paper consists of four sections. The paper explores the historical contexts of four themes of literacy acquisition and reviews the history of reading instruction. An objective analysis is made of how growth and development of the industrial sector triggered governments to set up formal schools and curriculum. The paper also discusses several reasons underlying the lackluster performance of students in reading and writing. The paper relates the five core essentials of a reading program and examines the successful impact of the Voyager Literacy program by presenting several recent empirical research studies. Finally, the paper looks at the attitudes and motivations of students towards reading, revealing the shortcomings of the present education system.
Outline:
Introduction
Section I: Theoretical Models of Literacy acquisition
Section II. Brief History of Reading Instruction
Section III: The Five Core Essentials of the Reading Program
Word Study
Vocabulary Fluency
Comprehension Section IV: The Impact of the Voyager Program
Section V: Student Reading Attitudes
From the Paper "The hunger to understand the environment and the results of education and its style of teaching has burst out over the last century. This outburst is now looking beyond the recurrent affairs about why the majority of the populace in certain regions can't, read or in certain cases, write. The ability to read and write has in the preceding years of study been established as vital components of areas that encompass polyglotics, ethnic surveys, as well as, psychology (Stephen, 2005)."
This paper reviews ten articles that address how pedagogues can best foster strong reading fluency, decoding, holistic, and inferential reading skills in young people.
Abstract Through a review of ten articles, this paper looks at the importance of building up "domain knowledge" and prominently features the findings of a National Reading Panel study conducted some years ago that argues (among other things) that vocabulary building, phonemic awareness exercises, systematic phonics instruction, and in-service upgrades for teachers all positively correlate to student achievement.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Article Summaries
Article Summary One: Teaching children to read Article Summary Two: The Nature of Effective First-Grade Literacy Instruction
Article Summary Three: The Utility of Phonic Generalizations in the Primary Grades
Article Summary Four: ReadingComprehension Requires Knowledge - of Words and the World
Article Summary Five: What Reading Does for the Mind
Summary Six: The Case for Bringing Content into the Language Arts Block and for a Knowledge-Rich Curriculum Core for all Children
Summary Seven: Teaching Decoding
Summary Eight: One Down and 80,000 to Go
Summary Nine: Teaching Vocabulary: Early, Direct, and Sequential
Summary Ten: Findings and Determinations of the National Reading Panel by Topic Areas
From the Paper "Theodore Clymer (1963) reports that five types of generalizations have historically been utilized (at least if teacher's manuals are any indication) in teaching children to pronounce words: vowels, consonants, endings, syllabication, and miscellaneous relationships. Eventually, Clymer came up with a list of 45 generalizations or rules for study. These were arrived at by asking whether or not a candidate generalization was sufficiently specific that it could be said to actually assist (or hinder) in the pronunciation of a particular word. Clymer then made up a composite word list of all the words introduced in the four basic series from which the generalizations were drawn - plus words from the Gates Reading Vocabulary for the Primary Grades. On pages 186 and 187 of the study, Clymer outlines the basic approach undertaken to assess the efficacy of the 45 phonic generalizations; this step-by-step approach is rather complicated and cannot be easily described in the space we are allotted. Nonetheless, the study found that many commonplace phonics generalizations are of limited worth; in particular, vowel generalizations are especially unreliable while consonant generalizations are a little better. One thing that complicates Clymer's study is that his success rate for an effective phonics generalization (75 percent or above) is quite high - as he himself acknowledges.
Abstract The paper researches current literature on the topic of shared book reading. The paper presents practical strategies and solutions, as it attempts to effectively address the reading issue in the context of a real classroom for preschool through sixth grade. The paper arrives at the conclusion that shared book reading does help children read, but notes that a child's confidence level, physical factors and other emotional factors could negate the advantages involved. The paper has a large amount of resource material appended to the paper.
Outline:
The Problem
Shared Book Reading Learning to Read and Reading to Learn
A Dynamic Technique?
Conclusion
Real Classroom Concerns
From the Paper "Shared book reading refers to the process, as well as to the situation of sitting down to share a book. Applicable to home or school settings, shared book reading denotes any period of time when a child or group of children sits down with a literate person (generally a parent, family member or teacher) to share the reading of a book or story. This scenario includes:
- Literate person reads to the child or group of children;
- Child/children take turns reading from the book or story with the adult;
- Child reads the book to the adult.
At one point in the past, the practice of joint storybook reading, as well as its effects on subsequent reading achievement was highly acclaimed. By 2000, however, tension in the field regarding this practice escalated and constituted a primary research for a decade. Questions regarding it genuine efficacy for later literacy achievement arose."
Abstract The intent of the literature review is to determine whether evidence exists supporting the use of a choice of reading materials in the classroom, as a tool for promoting greater reading ability and comprehension. The writer proposes that there is a clear need for educators to adopt a more open-minded perspective regarding readingcomprehension in the classroom.The paper examines how one way that administrators can motivate students is by providing them with access to a diverse selection of comprehensivereading materials. These reading materials will engage their personal interests and provide them with challenging but interesting material to review and interpret.
From the Paper "Cheak & Wessel (2005) suggest that students who read more frequently are more likely to become strategic readers capable of processing information more contextually resulting in better reading comprehension. Researchers have identified reading motivation among the factors vital toward guiding the behavior of readers and promoting greater reading comprehension. Further, Cheak & Wessel (2005) find that individuals who are "intrinsically motivated" are more likely to persist with challenging research related material and exhibit a desire to "master" the skill of reading. Intrinsic motivation according to the researchers is essential for developing deep processing and hence learning in individuals."
