In this new millennium, students will be faced with many challenges which require them to use reading and writing in different forms. Therefore, as educators, we are called upon to develop the literacy skills of students so that they can learn about the world and participate more fully in this technological society. This is indeed a challenging task, however, Tompkins (2004) has suggested the following principles on which to base an effective reading programme:
1. Teachers need to understand how students learn since this influences the instructional approaches that are used in the classroom. A good understanding of theories such as constructivism, interactive, sociolinguistic and reader response, helps to shape the kind of instruction that is best suited for the varying needs of the learners.
2. Students must be given opportunities to use the language cueing systems (phonological, syntactic, semantic, pragmatic) to facilitate communication.
3. Teachers must create a community of learners in which the students work collaboratively with the teachers for the common good of the community.
4. There must be a balanced approach to literacy instruction. Spiegel (1991) defines this as a decision making approach through which teachers make thoughtful and purposive decisions about how to help students become better readers and writers.
5. Teachers must scaffold or support children's writing and reading as they demonstrate, guide and teach. In addition they must look at the needs of the students and make adjustments in the amount of instructional support.
6. Teachers must use literacy skills and strategies to create opportunities for students' reading and writing. These instructional programmes can take the form of literature focus units, literature circles, workshops and basal reading programmes.
7. Teaching must follow the cycle where instruction in related or connected to instruction.
8. Teachers should try to update their knowledge of literacy instruction by actively participating in workshops, in-service programmes or subscribing for membership in professional organizations.
Michael,
ReplyDeleteI unreservedly identify with all the issues/ points/ guidelines, and and suggestions which you have presented in your article. Tompkins clearly stresses the role and importance of the teacher in ensuring that there is effective reading in the classroom environment. Even though I fully subscribe to all these views, I also believe that the role of the parent/home is of paramount importance is ensuring that effective reading takes place.The home environment must be the arena to cater to revision and reinforcement of the concepts introduced/taught in the school environment.