Module+9+Discussion

Step 5: Grand Conversation:

1. What does research say about this topic? BM - Metacognition is an internal knowledge of the thinking process. In relation to reading metacognition is the awareness of whether the text is being understood or not. Metacognition is necessary to use the comprehension strategies. ZL-Research reveals that not just one strategy helps in comprehension but rather, many strategies. NH- Metacognition needs above the word level processing of text. Comprehension must be taught not just tested.

2. In what ways does strategically active reading affect metacognition? BdM - Using the strategies is an internal process involving an internal dialogue about what is being read. But it is better served when students also practice by reflecting on and sharing with others the strategies and how they were used. ZL-Effective reading strategies must be present. If strategies are just completed without proper training from teacher or reading specialist, the effectiveness can be lost with the skill. NH- Active reading is metacognition. The students are thinking about their thinking. What are they doing and how they did it. It is important for these strategies to be in place and shared with others.

3. Plan ways to have students become active readers within your classroom. BM - I liked the idea of students leading discussions in small group rather than the teacher. I can see how they might enjoy this sense of authority or take the discussion more seriously. ZL Working in small groups modeling each stragegy to the group, allows the strategy to be made permanent into the mind of the student. Peer reading and mentoring students allow for active reading in the classroom. NH- I like to use literature circles to get my students to be active readers. Each person in the group has a reading strategy for that days reading and has to share it with the group.

4. Your questions from your group. NH1- How do you model metacognition strategies? BM - Thinking aloud is a very useful tool. Often times the readers that struggle with comprehension just don't realize they are supposed to being doing the thinking and visualizing as they go. ZL: Think alouds are great for metacognition strategies. I appreciate the fact that many graphic organizers are available that cater to the older students, and they don't have to feel as if their working on a primary level strategy. NH2- How do you teach comprehension strategies? NH3- How can we utilize technology in comprehension reading strategies?

ZL1) In what ways do you see your students using metacognition? BM - I like the strategy that asked them to think about and question the author as they were reading. Did they agree or disagree with the author? What items could the author have explained better or made more interesting? NH-I always do a pre reading strategy where we do some sort of picture walk and set up our purpose for reading the material like an anticpation guide or a KWL chart. Then during they always mark up the text and use a graphic organzier. My post strategy is always artsy or kenisthetic. They will do a poster or project. Maybe play a game. This is where I hit a lot of the learning styles. ZL 3 What ideas do you have for teaching comprehension?
 * ZL 2 How do you implement before, during, and after activities?

BM1* - How can I wean the students from expecting all (academic) discussion to be teacher centered? BM2 - I really don't remember learning these strategies in undergrad. Do you ladies? BM3 - Zena and Natalie do you see your middle schoolers being receptive to these comprehension strategies and the idea of metacognition? ZL: I do Brigette. I believe the when good comprehension is modeled for my students on a consist basis, they become so familiar with the process it becomes more automatic to them in their own reading process. That is when we as teachers see students feeling successful. NH- These strategies have been where I have had all of my success. Using these strategies is an easy way to scaffold their learning and I can also modify it for whatever level they are on.