Through looking through Table 1.1, it is apparent that less proficient readers struggle because they are forced to focus all of their reading time and understanding on identifying words correctly and monitoring their reading. Their main focus is pronouncing the word correctly, which takes all of their time and energy, naturally leaving them with no opportunity to grasp the meaning of the word and the text. When a proficient reader is able to fluently overcome all of the words and spellings, they will naturally understand the text and recognize the meaning becuas their main focus is just that, comprehending the text.
I think the main difference is the level of capability. When a student must focus on every sound and every letter simply to identify a word, then their opportunity to try to understand the text has been removed. A fluent reader is able to overcome those struggles and understand the story. This is why learning the basics of letters, sounds, and connections early on is so important because once that is mastered, then every student has the opportunity to become proficient. A proficient reader enjoys reading, whereas most likely, a less proficient reader does not enjoy it because it is such a difficult and monotonous process. Reading must be taught in an interesting manner, which is why overcoming these fundamentals early on allows for reading to be enjoyable at all.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
EDRD 7717: Video Analysis
I thought that this video was very interesting to watch. It is apparent that students struggling with reading can struggle in their every day classroom requirements while also causing them to fall far back behind. I agree with the video that ongoing assessments are extremely crucial to help improve a students reading ability. I have always been taught in my reading courses that formative and summative assessments are crucial in realizing immediate process and how to continue forward in a supportive and beneficial manner for the student.
In my own personal experiences with assessment, I have found that simply at times, smaller, more organized instruction can be vastly more beneficial than large group instruction. This is why tutoring or resource teachers can be such fantastic aids because they can directly focus on one students needs and help accommodate the teachers instruction in a more personalized manner. Through this smaller assessment, daily or weekly check ups and assessments can help record progress in an effective manner, making sure the student is improving and not slipping through the class. At my current job, I work with many students in small groups, allowing me time to work with students of different reading levels, offering differentiated instruction where necessary. This is vital in confirming student growth and learning. During my small group time, I am assessing student improvement and making anecdotal records of the current situation. I believe that assessment is a vital component in student success and working with the student and helping improve their abilities should be the number one goal on an educator's list.
In my own personal experiences with assessment, I have found that simply at times, smaller, more organized instruction can be vastly more beneficial than large group instruction. This is why tutoring or resource teachers can be such fantastic aids because they can directly focus on one students needs and help accommodate the teachers instruction in a more personalized manner. Through this smaller assessment, daily or weekly check ups and assessments can help record progress in an effective manner, making sure the student is improving and not slipping through the class. At my current job, I work with many students in small groups, allowing me time to work with students of different reading levels, offering differentiated instruction where necessary. This is vital in confirming student growth and learning. During my small group time, I am assessing student improvement and making anecdotal records of the current situation. I believe that assessment is a vital component in student success and working with the student and helping improve their abilities should be the number one goal on an educator's list.