Easy Reader

In an attempt to confront the difficulties mentioned in the previous "Unliterate" post, and after discussion with several colleagues, I decided to try something novel and have students read in class, with a short assessment (quiz) at the end of the period. What we would have done in class, was now homework.

After struggling for several minutes to get the students started, the room quieted eerily and students read and took notes. I wanted them to see how much they could read and learn in 55 minutes. (Most students do not read at all at home, missing a good deal of the class.) I figured that after a week of reading, students would be ready to do just about anything, including reading for homework, to get back to a more normal class structure. To my dismay, about 80% of the students found this a positive experience. Even most who didn't like it admitted that they learned a lot. (Imagine that!)

Here is an excerpt from a representative reflection on the experience.

After doing several days reading and taking notes, I realized that I do learn a lot more than I usually would on my own time at home. Giving us a quiz at the end of class makes me motivated to get the reading done. Also, when I take notes while I am reading, the information seems to sink in more and I can look back on it anytime.

We were provided with a nice, quiet environment that is easier to concentrate, rather than all of the distractions that I usually have at home. It is very useful to read from the book during class. Not only does it teach me what is written in there, but I also learn how to be a faster reader. I learned to find the important things that are in the text, rather than reading it word for word and writing down too much information. With our given time limit, I learned all of the text! I think we should definitely continue with this in class!

Of course, there are many motivations for wanting to read in class. But 80%! I never would have guessed. I suppose I learned at least two things from this experience. First, these students really are used to being held by the hand and forced to do their responsibility. It is very comfortable for them to be "required". Second, that many student avoid the reading due to a lack of comprehension and retention skills. The second issue is fairly easy to address, but the first, bringing students to the point of self-directed learning and finding it comfortable really is rocket science.

Stay tuned.