Improving students' reading comprehension
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Authors
Argente, Ana Fabiola Velasco
Issue Date
2019
Educational Level
ISCED Level 3 Upper secondary education
Curriculum Area
Geographical Setting
Mexico
Abstract
Context: This study explores methods to enhance reading comprehension in an English class at a technical high school in Chetumal, Mexico. The class, comprising 24 students aged 17-18 with basic English proficiency (A1-A2 CEFR), struggled with comprehension tasks. Initial assumptions were that students were not utilizing taught reading strategies, prompting an exploratory investigation.
Aims: The research aimed to identify effective interventions to improve students' reading comprehension. Specific objectives included understanding students' engagement with reading strategies, identifying their difficulties with comprehension exercises, and determining the types of support needed.
Methods: The teacher employed a reflective journal, classroom observations, and a focus group with nine students of varying skill levels. Data collection spanned two weeks, encompassing peer observations and feedback on activities before, during, and after reading. Focal points included students' perceptions of reading materials, strategies, and their challenges.
Findings: Analysis revealed that students employed strategies when needed and comprehended main ideas. However, comprehension was hindered by unfamiliar topics and difficulties with dictionary use, affecting reading pace and the ability to answer open-ended questions. Visual aids and games like "Hot Potato" were particularly effective and appreciated by students. Interventions, such as offering text choices on familiar topics, incorporating visual aids, and pre-reading dictionary exercises, improved engagement and comprehension. Students expressed a preference for structured support such as sentence frames for open questions and enjoyed competitive, interactive games.
Implications: The findings suggest that understanding students' preferences and incorporating familiar, engaging, and supportive materials can enhance reading comprehension. Teachers might learn from this study the value of student feedback in designing tailored interventions, the role of varied and relevant reading materials, and the effectiveness of games in fostering participation and comprehension.
Aims: The research aimed to identify effective interventions to improve students' reading comprehension. Specific objectives included understanding students' engagement with reading strategies, identifying their difficulties with comprehension exercises, and determining the types of support needed.
Methods: The teacher employed a reflective journal, classroom observations, and a focus group with nine students of varying skill levels. Data collection spanned two weeks, encompassing peer observations and feedback on activities before, during, and after reading. Focal points included students' perceptions of reading materials, strategies, and their challenges.
Findings: Analysis revealed that students employed strategies when needed and comprehended main ideas. However, comprehension was hindered by unfamiliar topics and difficulties with dictionary use, affecting reading pace and the ability to answer open-ended questions. Visual aids and games like "Hot Potato" were particularly effective and appreciated by students. Interventions, such as offering text choices on familiar topics, incorporating visual aids, and pre-reading dictionary exercises, improved engagement and comprehension. Students expressed a preference for structured support such as sentence frames for open questions and enjoyed competitive, interactive games.
Implications: The findings suggest that understanding students' preferences and incorporating familiar, engaging, and supportive materials can enhance reading comprehension. Teachers might learn from this study the value of student feedback in designing tailored interventions, the role of varied and relevant reading materials, and the effectiveness of games in fostering participation and comprehension.
Description
Keywords (free text)
english as a foreign language , reading comprehension , english language teaching , student engagement , visual aids , interactive learning games , dictionary use , exploratory action research