...a format for teachers to share what they're trying in the classroom, including successes and challenges, so that we can better learn from each others' experiences to build comprehension in our subject areas.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Making Reading Social - Part 2
What implications does this information have for your own teaching? How does this reinforce your current practices? What might you change or implement in the future?
This article resonated with my own teaching and personal experience on so many levels. I have been that child during "D.A.R.E." reading time who tried to do anything but read silently at my desk. If silent reading does not work with most children, why are we still doing it? I really liked the author's idea of making reading social by the use of the website: www.diigo.com. What helped me become a better reader in school and even in college was reading a text and having meaningful discussions about the text. I would like to implement the use of blogging or this particular website in my teaching because I feel that it is effective and the students will respond well to this approach.
I often tell students to turn off all electronic devices when they need to read/study text material in particular. Students tell me they get so distracted, so we try for 15-20 minutes and then build to 40-50 minutes of uninterrupted learning.... Now, I wonder if it would be better for study groups to have some connected reading/social reading for understanding dense textbooks rather than having students read in isolation and wonder if they're "getting it" at all. If they could comment with one another when they're ready, that wouldn't interrupt reading and could enhance comprehension.
"Tools such as Diigo are fundamentally changing the reading experience - and effective teachers must adapt to keep their students engaged." Diigo answered my question about allowing students to notate on digital text - the capabilities exist! Online reading is inevitable for our students and children, so effective teachers and parents must adapt to teach the technology. I would like to try out Diigo and use it in a classroom one day, but taking into account availability of computer labs for my classroom makes an activity like this a novelty, not a regular assignment.
I think I will make using diigos my goal for this year. Being a scripture instructor with a social studies license I tend to focus too much on history, geography and culture. Using a diigo so that students can share reflections, reactions, life applications to scripture stories and passages I believe will be a very effective use of their/my time.
Use the technology tools that are part of students everyday life. They are constantly connected. I will definitely use Diigo to make reading a social networking experience.
Silent reading is always a struggle for some in my classroom. Many students tell me they need to listen to music while reading - "it helps me to concentrate". Hmm....... Just reading - I believe, but the comprehension of the text goes out the window. Using technology in the classroom such as Diigo and googledocs looks like a fun thing to try.
As a sp ed teacher, I'm wondering 1) if/how I can use Diigo to scaffold reading assgts for my students; 2) if I might be able to persuade reg ed teachers to integrate Diigo into their classroom assgts so sp ed stdts (and others) benefit from peer support to complete reading assgts.
I think it would motivate students to read, while developing critical thinking skills to communicate their responses to the reading as well as their responses to classmate's opinions. Their discussion is not limited to class time.
This article resonated with my own teaching and personal experience on so many levels. I have been that child during "D.A.R.E." reading time who tried to do anything but read silently at my desk. If silent reading does not work with most children, why are we still doing it? I really liked the author's idea of making reading social by the use of the website: www.diigo.com. What helped me become a better reader in school and even in college was reading a text and having meaningful discussions about the text. I would like to implement the use of blogging or this particular website in my teaching because I feel that it is effective and the students will respond well to this approach.
ReplyDeleteI often tell students to turn off all electronic devices when they need to read/study text material in particular. Students tell me they get so distracted, so we try for 15-20 minutes and then build to 40-50 minutes of uninterrupted learning....
ReplyDeleteNow, I wonder if it would be better for study groups to have some connected reading/social reading for understanding dense textbooks rather than having students read in isolation and wonder if they're "getting it" at all. If they could comment with one another when they're ready, that wouldn't interrupt reading and could enhance comprehension.
"Tools such as Diigo are fundamentally changing the reading experience - and effective teachers must adapt to keep their students engaged." Diigo answered my question about allowing students to notate on digital text - the capabilities exist! Online reading is inevitable for our students and children, so effective teachers and parents must adapt to teach the technology. I would like to try out Diigo and use it in a classroom one day, but taking into account availability of computer labs for my classroom makes an activity like this a novelty, not a regular assignment.
ReplyDeleteI think I will make using diigos my goal for this year. Being a scripture instructor with a social studies license I tend to focus too much on history, geography and culture. Using a diigo so that students can share reflections, reactions, life applications to scripture stories and passages I believe will be a very effective use of their/my time.
ReplyDeleteI will definitely do more modeling of what is appropriate blogging/posting prior to setting the students loose online.
ReplyDeleteUse the technology tools that are part of students everyday life. They are constantly connected.
ReplyDeleteI will definitely use Diigo to make reading a social networking experience.
Silent reading is always a struggle for some in my classroom. Many students tell me they need to listen to music while reading - "it helps me to concentrate". Hmm....... Just reading - I believe, but the comprehension of the text goes out the window. Using technology in the classroom such as Diigo and googledocs looks like a fun thing to try.
ReplyDeleteAs a sp ed teacher, I'm wondering 1) if/how I can use Diigo to scaffold reading assgts for my students; 2) if I might be able to persuade reg ed teachers to integrate Diigo into their classroom assgts so sp ed stdts (and others) benefit from peer support to complete reading assgts.
ReplyDeleteI think it would motivate students to read, while developing critical thinking skills to communicate their responses to the reading as well as their responses to classmate's opinions. Their discussion is not limited to class time.
ReplyDelete