Thinking Deeply about Primary Education cover image

Thinking Deeply about Primary Education

Comprehend This! (Reading is not a skills based subject)

Apr 20, 2024
Neil Almond, an expert in reading comprehension and primary education, uncovers the complexities of how children understand text. He challenges the notion that reading is merely skill-based, emphasizing the importance of integrated teaching methods. Almond highlights the vital role of prior knowledge and background information in comprehension. He shares effective classroom strategies such as comprehension monitoring and self-questioning. Additionally, he introduces a five-step process for teaching summarization, aiming to enhance students' independent thinking.
01:09:13

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Reading comprehension requires deep engagement with language, challenging traditional skill-based methods that isolate practice from real reading experiences.
  • Background knowledge significantly enhances comprehension, necessitating its integration into literacy instruction alongside vocabulary and literary elements.

Deep dives

Understanding Comprehension in Reading

Reading comprehension should not be viewed solely as a skill that can be practiced and mastered through repetitive exercises. Instead, comprehension encompasses a complex interaction between text and reader, suggesting that it involves not just skills but also deep engagement with language. The idea that comprehension fails to transfer effectively across different contexts indicates the necessity for teaching practices that foster a more profound understanding of texts rather than a mere focus on skill acquisition. This principle challenges traditional methods that rely heavily on workbooks and comprehension exercises disconnected from authentic reading experiences.

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