TASK B: APPLICATION OF READING STRATEGY GOODNESS OF BLUE-GREEN ALGAE Based on the text entitled Goodness of blue-green algae retrieved

from New Straits Times on 19th February 2008, we have chosen INSERT as a reading strategy and transform the points that we have identified into graphic organizer called Concept Map. The rational of choosing Insert as the reading strategy because it is suitable for any type of text especially text which contain facts. Insert is a notetaking system that engages readers in making decisions and reflecting on the text during the act of reading. There are many strengths and weaknesses of Insert reading strategy. One of the strengths is this strategy is easy to use and understood. Insert gets readers interacting with the text by "inserting" their thoughts into the ideas proposed by the text to monitor their comprehension and make decisions. Furthermore, this strategy can also enhance readers metacognition. Since the decisions are conscious and noted, they can be discussed, examined, justified, and modified. These types of decisions provide a basis for critical thinking and reasoning by clarifying what readers think about the ideas presented in the text. From our point of view, we think Insert is an ideal strategy to prepare students for discussion after they read. The weaknesses of using Insert as a reading strategy is, there are too many symbols to remember such as X, ??, , !, + and *. Besides, it takes longer time to fully understand the text.

This Insert strategy can be applied based on the text entitled Goodness of blue-green algae. The steps for this strategy are shown below: 1) As you read, think about what you already know about the topic and the new information you are learning. At the same time, make some decisions about the text and your understanding of what you are reading. o Think about what you already know about Spirulina. 2) Using the following Insert symbols and their meanings, mark the text as you read with symbols that are appropriate to your own understanding. If you read a sentence and think This is an important idea, place a * in the margin. o
*

Spirulina also contains beneficial vitamins and minerals such as the B group of vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium"

If you read a sentence and think I dont understand this, place a ?? in the margin. o
??

Bad eating habits may cause lethargy, low immunity and other nutritional deficiency disorders such as anaemia.

If you read a sentence and you think I knew that, then place a in the margin of the text next to that sentence. o Our modern diet is driven by consumer advertising. Many people sold on fast foods, usually rich in fats, carbohydrates and sugars If you read a sentence and you think Wow! This is an interesting fact/idea, then place a ! in the margin. o ! People who benefit from taking organic spirulina are: If you read a sentence and you think This is new, then place a + in the margin. o + Spirulina is classified as blue-green algae or blue-green bacteria.

 If you read a sentence and you think I thought differently, then place a X in the margin of the text next to that sentence. o X Vegetarians diets tend to be lower in iron, calcium, vitamin B12 and zinc 3) Continue this with the rest of the reading. You may or may not have a mark for each sentence or part of the reading. 4) Copy notes in the Insert graphic organizer.

**Refer Insert graphic organizer on the next page.

INSERT GRAPHIC ORGANIZER INSERT SYMBOLS X + ! ?? * I thought differently This is NEW WOW! This is an interesting fact/idea I dont understand this This is an important idea I knew that

SYMBOL
*

FACTS / IDEAS Spirulina also contains beneficial vitamins and minerals such as the B group of vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium" Bad eating habits may cause lethargy, low immunity and other nutritional deficiency disorders such as anaemia. Our modern diet is driven by consumer advertising. Many people sold on fast foods, usually rich in fats, carbohydrates and sugars People who benefit from taking organic spirulina are: Spirulina is classified as blue-green algae or blue-green bacteria. Vegetarians diets tend to be lower in iron, calcium, vitamin B12 and zinc

??

! + X

**Refer text on the next page for more details.

Based on the text entitled Goodness of blue-green algae retrieved from New Straits Times on 19th February 2008, I have transformed the points that I have identified into graphic organizer called Concept Map. The rational of choosing concept map as the graphic organizer is because concept map is a way to visually organize our understanding of information. There are many strengths and weaknesses of using this type of graphic organizer which is concept map. One of the strengths is that concept map is hierarchical in nature, beginning with the subject or topic at the top or side of the page and then branching into sub-topics and details which allows change and new concepts to be added. Furthermore, this type of graphic organizer helps students brainstorm and generate new ideas, encouraging students to discover new concepts. In addition, concept map can be use to record ideas during reading, see the relationships among ideas and distinguish between main ideas and supporting details. From my point of view, I think concept map is a powerful way for students to reach high levels of cognitive performance. The weaknesses of using concept map as graphic organizer is, concept map generally do not use colour or pictures. This will make it look not attractive and interesting to students compared to mind map. Besides, it takes longer time to collect information and transform it into concept map. Concept map can be build based on the text entitled Goodness of bluegreen algae by simply follow these three steps. First, start with the main idea, topic or issue to focus on which is about Spirulina. Then, determine the key concepts that connect and relate to the main idea. In this text, the key concepts is the functions of spirulina, types of nutrients and people who get benefit using spirulina. Lastly, finish it by connecting concepts.

**Refer to the next page to see the concept map.