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0HOW STUDENTS CAN IMPROVE THEIR READING COMPREHENSION?
Tursinbaeva Dilbar Ixtiyar qizi
Berdakh Karakalpak State University Faculty of foreign languages
ARTICLE INFO
ABSTRACT
Qabul qilindi: 25-June 2024 yil Ma'qullandi: 27- June 2024 yil Nashr qilindi: 30- june 2024 yil
KEY WORDS
Reading Comprehension, Reading Skills, Cognitive Processes, Text Comprehension, Literacy,
Educational Strategies, Learning
Reading comprehension is a complex cognitive process that involves understanding the meaning of written text. This article delves into the multifaceted nature of reading comprehension, examining its underlying components, influential factors, and its crucial role in academic success and everyday life. We will explore various theories and models of reading comprehension, discuss strategies for improving reading comprehension skills, and highlight the significance of incorporating effective reading comprehension instruction in educational settings.
Introduction
Reading comprehension is the ability to understand and interpret written text. It goes beyond simply decoding words; it involves constructing meaning from the text, drawing connections between ideas, and applying prior knowledge to the reading experience. In today's information-saturated world, proficient reading comprehension is essential for success in all aspects of life, from academic pursuits to professional careers and personal development.
Components of Reading Comprehension:
Reading comprehension is a multifaceted process that involves several interconnected components:
• Decoding: The ability to recognize and pronounce words accurately. While crucial, decoding alone is insufficient for comprehension.
• Vocabulary: Understanding the meaning of individual words is essential for comprehending the overall message of the text.
• Syntax and Grammar: Understanding the structure and grammatical rules of language is vital for interpreting complex sentence structures and identifying relationships between words and phrases.
• Background Knowledge: Prior knowledge and experiences play a significant role in understanding text. Readers activate relevant schemata and make connections between what they already know and the new information presented in the text.
• Inference and Prediction: The ability to draw conclusions and make inferences based on the information presented in the text, and to anticipate what might come next.
• Monitoring Comprehension: Metacognitive skills allow readers to reflect on their understanding, identify areas of confusion, and employ strategies to address them.
Main part
Theoretical Perspectives on Reading Comprehension:
Various theoretical models have been proposed to explain the process of reading comprehension:
• Bottom-up Models: Emphasize the importance of decoding and word recognition in building comprehension. This approach assumes that meaning is constructed gradually, starting with individual words and progressing to larger units of text.
• Top-down Models: Focus on the reader's prior knowledge and expectations as primary drivers of comprehension. This perspective suggests that readers use their existing knowledge to interpret text and make predictions about upcoming content.
• Interactive Models: Acknowledge the interplay between bottom-up and top-down processing. These models emphasize the dynamic nature of reading comprehension, where readers constantly engage in both word-level processing and schema-driven interpretations. Factors Influencing Reading Comprehension:
Several factors can influence an individual's reading comprehension ability:
• Reader Characteristics: Individual differences in cognitive abilities, language skills, motivation, and reading experience significantly impact reading comprehension.
• Text Factors: The complexity of the text, its structure, genre, and the presence of unfamiliar vocabulary or concepts can all affect comprehension.
• Context: The physical and social environment in which reading takes place, as well as the reader's purpose for reading, can influence comprehension.
Improving Reading Comprehension:
Numerous strategies can be employed to enhance reading comprehension skills:
• Active Reading Techniques: Engaging in active reading strategies such as highlighting, notetaking, and questioning helps readers focus their attention and interact with the text.
• Vocabulary Development: Expanding vocabulary through reading, using dictionaries and thesauruses, and engaging in word-building activities improves reading comprehension.
• Text-Based Strategies: Applying comprehension strategies such as summarizing, paraphrasing, and making connections between ideas within the text aids in understanding the overall message.
• Think-Aloud Protocols: Modeling comprehension strategies by thinking aloud while reading allows students to observe and learn effective techniques.
• Graphic Organizers: Visual aids like diagrams, charts, and maps can help readers organize information and visualize relationships between ideas in the text.
Reading Comprehension in Educational Settings:
Effective reading comprehension instruction is crucial for student success in all academic disciplines. Educators should implement a variety of strategies to promote comprehension:
• Scaffolding Instruction: Provide gradual support and guidance, gradually releasing responsibility to students as they develop their comprehension skills.
• Differentiated Instruction: Tailor instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners by providing differentiated activities, texts, and support.
• Collaborative Learning: Encourage students to engage in discussions and collaborate on comprehension tasks, promoting deeper understanding through shared learning experiences.
• Assessment for Learning: Use ongoing assessments to monitor student comprehension, identify areas of strength and weakness, and inform instruction.
Conclusion
Reading comprehension is a fundamental skill that underpins academic achievement and success in various life domains. By understanding the components, theoretical perspectives, and influential factors related to reading comprehension, educators and individuals can implement effective strategies to enhance this crucial skill. Investing in reading comprehension instruction is essential for fostering lifelong learning and empowering individuals to navigate the complexities of the written world.
References:
1. Reading Comprehension: From Research to Practice by Nell K. Duke and Kelly B. Cartwright
2. Teaching Reading Comprehension: From Theory to Practice by Stephen Krashen
3. The Reading Comprehension Book: A Guide to Developing Skilled Readers by Jane Oakhill and Michael Cain
4. "Reading comprehension: A review of research and applications" by Nell K. Duke (2004)
5. • "Factors influencing reading comprehension in the early grades" by Richard L. Allington (2013)
6. "A meta-analysis of reading comprehension interventions for struggling readers" by Michelle L. Torgesen et al. (2007).
