Post-Reading Strategies - Research Paper Example

? Post-Reading Strategies al Affiliation) Introduction Human beings generally retain information better and more easily if they make use of it. Post reading strategies provide a way in which we can utilize the information we access on a daily basis and improve the level and manner in which we understand it. Post reading strategies are therefore a crucial component of the learning process because they enhance it and make it an enjoyable experience (Behrens & Rosen, 2008). Post reading strategies ensure that pupils and students are not only taught to read and pass exams, but also to understand whatever they read. There are a variety of post reading strategies that will heighten, enrich and refine interest in a specific topic, but the primary objective of post reading strategies is to further clarify and develop interpretations of readings and text, and to aid students recall whatever they have individually developed in their minds after reading a particular text. There are generally four main types of post reading strategies or activities. These are: a) Those provide students with the opportunity to ask questions with regards to assignments or readings. b) Those that concentrate on text structure c) Those that involve peer and classroom review d) Those that extend learning This paper will be based on the following paragraph from the book Tangerine by Edward Bloor: Antoine studied my face. He said, “You’re Erik Fisher’s little brother?” I tightened up at the sound of Erik’s name. I mumbled, “Yes.” Antoine said quietly, “It’s time to start telling the truth, little brother. Do you understand what I’m saying?” I nodded like I understood. But, I didn’t. Not really. Not until he added, “Don’t spend your life under the bleachers, little brother. The truth shall set you free.” I nodded with real conviction now. I said, “Yes! Yes!” (Bloor pp 260-261) The book is based on Paul, a legally blind boy who moves to Florida from Texas with his family and experiences various hardships as he struggles to cope with his condition and at the same time maintain a normal relationship with his friends, family and his new environment. This paragraph is important because it connects to the book’s theme of honesty, and will be used to formulate post reading strategies that will help students understand the book better. Activity 1: Web The discussion web is a graphic illustration that helps students prepare for discussions in the classroom (Kinsella & Widener, 2001). In this case, the students will be required to develop a discussion centered on the paragraph drawn from the book that has been mentioned earlier and to primarily focus on the content. The discussion web is geared towards helping the students examine all sides of an issue and understand all perspectives emanating from that particular issue. Your role (the teacher) in this activity will be that of a moderator and an encourager (Behrens & Rosen, 2008). As a moderator, you will help the students to create a topic and stay focused on it. As an encourager, you will help the students engage participants and ensure that they are free to voice their opinions and points of view. Prepare students for listening or reading by establishing a purpose for reading, activating previous knowledge and introducing important vocabulary. After students have read the paragraph, introduce the web by way of a provocative question. For instance, “was Paul a dishonest person?” 1. Students will be required (in pairs) to discuss the pros and cons of the question and then complete the web as a unit or team. They will take turns filling in as many NO and YES statements as they can generate. 2. Pairs are rearranged into units of four students, who then compare their webs and come up with one answer to the question. 3. The group chooses and records the most appropriate and strongest argument and gives its reasons for that choice. 4. Each group selects a spokesperson to report (in three minutes) the results, and then students with different opinions are allowed to state them. 5. Students write (individually) a position statement on the issue. Activity 2: Summarizing Summarizing enables students to: Identify the main ideas of the author and the paragraph Recognize intent and purpose of the selection Distinguish between meaningful and irrelevant information Identify reasons for support of main ideas Identify the author’s detect the organizational pattern Follow material systematically Tell the students to summarize the paragraph and come up with a condensed version Formal summary papers should be written. They should be composed of the writer’s points of view, purpose, main points and the sequence of events. Students should compare, discuss and share individual summaries in class or in groups Students should write persuasive papers and use them to debate the topic. Another member of the class should be assigned to oppose the main view of the topic. Students can also write a "directions" paper in which they examine what they have learned from the topic and proceed to list steps on how to understand it. Activity 3: KWL The KWL is designed to help students recall prior knowledge of a particular topic, as well as identify the questions that they are likely to answer after reading a particular text (Kinsella & Widener, 2001). This allows them to develop a purpose for reading as well as cultivating the motivation to read and understand whichever text they are required to study. The KWL also enables students to systematically organize the information that they have come across in their readings What do I know? What do I want to learn? How can I find out? What did I learn? Paul is a legally blind person People can be born blind or they can be blinded by sickness or a disease It is important to treat blind people with respect because they are human beings and for an important part of the society Blind people can live normal lives just like other people How can blind people live normal lives? What are some of the problems and challenges faced by blind people in today’s society? What can we do to ensure that blind people have access to opportunities in life? The internet Books Movies Family stories History Magazines Religion Personal experiences Blind can live perfectly normal lives irrespective of their visual impairment Blind should be accorded opportunities to go to school, learn, secure employment and lead happy lives Through counseling and therapy, blind people can be helped to accept their conditions and to work towards improving their lives in other ways or areas Conclusion Post reading strategies are very important in the learning process. They provide learners and educators with the opportunity to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of teaching and learning (Kinsella & Widener, 2001). They also enable students to enhance their cognitive abilities and to develop sharp reading and learning skills. In conclusion, post reading strategies are a very important segment of the entire learning process, and should therefore be treated with the importance they deserve References Behrens, L., & Rosen, L. J. (2008). Writing and reading across the curriculum (10th ed.). New York: Pearson Longman. Kinsella, K., & Widener, S. (2001). Reading strategies. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Globe Fearon. Read More