This week, in another course I am
taking at UT Martin, we focused on teaching reading. The other course is
focused on teaching English in middle or high school, so the “teaching reading”
part is framed specifically for English teachers. However, there were many good
points discussed that I believe would be relevant to all middle and high school
teachers, not just English teachers.
We reviewed Chapter 5 – titled “Teaching
Reading” – from “The English Teacher’s Companion” written by Jim Burke. The
chapter was packed full of tried and tested techniques for teaching reading. I
highly recommend reading this chapter as a supplement the course material in
Reading 633. Chapter 5 of Burke’s book covers pages 136-202. On pages 163-172,
Burke lists what he considers to be 10 traits of “excellent reading instruction”
that is “supported by major reports focusing on middle and high schools.”
Burke provides plenty of detail for
each of the 10 traits, and to you’ll need to pick up a copy of his book to read
the full explanations. However, I thought it would be beneficial to list the 10
traits here.
According to Burke, the 10 traits
are:
Teachers provide direct instruction throughout the reading process …Teachers integrate instruction throughout the content of their courses.Students read interesting or real-world texts for authentic reasons …Students engage in regular, authentic discussions …The teacher provides targeted, strategic instruction …The teacher selects texts that grow progressively more complex …Teachers have students write intensively and frequently about what they read …Assess students before, as, and after they read a text …Provide time in class and outside to support extensive reading ...Use a variety of instructional strategies …
If you have a chance to get ahold of
a copy of “The English Teacher’s Companion” by Jim Burke, you should. I highly
recommend Chapter 5. It’s well worth the read!
Click here to visit Burke’s website.
I agree, this is an excellent text. Thanks for the suggestion.
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