I have students bring local newspaper articles to class concerning something that may be of interest to them, or pertaing to the class work.They can read it to the class or just summarize it. I may pass the article around and have various students reads parts of the article to the class. I have also given extra credit to those participating.
Relate the words to their career duties or actions. Run vocabulary reviews and if at all possible display what the word means so the student can relater the word to an action or task.
Let them write short answers on paper or even better on a word processor at a computer. Don't call on them too often in class to read. Speak to them outside of class to guage how well they are as readers.
The first thing I do is make the student feel important. I usually tell the story of how my father escaped from communist Czechoslovakia to come to the US. How he was able to learn 4 languages and how he was sucessful because of his efforts and how proud I am of my father. Once the student knows I am on his side and that I don't think any less of him I am able to better help him. The student asks more questions and I try to give multiple examples of synonyms to help his understanding.
Students can use an audio recorder to record lectures over material so if they are stuggling with the reading assignments they can listen to lectures over and over again until they can retain the material.
I always go over the vocabulary for the new chapter we are going to cover. I inform the entire class that if anyone pronounces the word incorrectly I will not interupt them, but I will pronounce it correctly directly after so they all know the correct meaning and pronunciation of the word. I feel by doing this for all students in the class it takes the focus off the students which English is not their first language.
Gradual change is always best suited for students with learning difficulties. The most difficult part of the scenario you describe is the initial base-line assessment and then knowing just haw much to add as the lessons progress. The key is to allow enough time.
Hi Nicolle!
When should an instructor use this tool - in the classrooom with fellow classmates?!?!?1
Good job!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
Helping them to sound out the words and use the words in a sentence for association with meaning.
I find that is best to start with manageable assignments based on a student's personal ability. Have them take on just what they can and then increase difficulty and length gradually.
I look for volunteers to read aloud, I never put someone on the spot, it makes everyone feel uncomfortable.
Reading difficulties can be challenging in the classroom. We can ask the students to work in groups and have them help each other. We can also give the information verbally and reinforce it with a study guide that helps pinpoint the important topics.
Ask them about support that they may have had in the past that can be applied now. Also, box or outline material to help them focus.
I have found that I need to have synonyms ready for a lot of words that I thought everyone already knew. esl students need a lot of tjis and it usually works well
One way is to give a vocabulary list so that they become familiar with new words and meanings
I find the best way to help students with reading challenges is to use flash cards to learn the new vocabulary. I believe learning the terminology and jargon is crucial to success in any career.
I always have students read aloud to me so I can see and hear their vocabulary, reading comprehension, medical terminology, and if content material is beyond their understanding.
i find that making readers with difficulty makes them nervous and uncomfortable
Very good approach Ellen. The last thing an instructor wants to do is make an example out of a struggling student. Providing the best tools possible helps students more than anything - like your life applications.
Keep up the good work!
Jane Davis
ED106 Facilitator
I just had to deal with a student with great hand on skills, amazing study habits, and blossoming personality but had a limited reading ability. I offered in class and out of class tutoring. Motivation was the best method.
