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ELT 212 – IDENTIFYING AND REMEDIATING READING DIFFICULTIES

ASSIGNMENT #1

MAKE A GOOD READING AND PREPARE NOTES (individual notebook) ON THE FOLLOWING TOPICS/ QUESTIONS.

PREPARE FOR YOUR ENGAGEMENT NEXT WEEK IN OUR IN-PERSON CLASSES.

1. DEFINITIONS / CONCEPTS OF READING

Reading - Reading is a complex cognitive process that includes comprehending written symbols (usually letters
and words) in order to understand and derive meaning from a text. It is a fundamental ability that enables
people to interact with different kinds of written content, communicate, learn, and gather information.

Concepts of reading:

 Decoding: Decoding is the process of converting written symbols (letters and letter combinations) into
spoken language sounds. It is the foundational step in reading, where readers recognize and pronounce
words based on their knowledge of phonics and phonemic awareness.
 Comprehension: Comprehension refers to the ability to understand the meaning of a text. Effective
readers not only decode words but also extract meaning from the text, make connections to prior
knowledge, infer, analyze, and interpret information.
 Fluency: Fluency is the ability to read a text smoothly, accurately, and with appropriate expression.
Fluent readers can recognize words quickly, which allows them to focus on understanding the content
rather than struggling with individual word recognition.
 Vocabulary: Vocabulary encompasses the words and phrases that a reader knows and understands. A
strong vocabulary is crucial for comprehension, as readers need to recognize and comprehend a wide
range of words to understand complex texts.
 Context Clues: Context clues are hints or information provided within a text that help readers infer the
meaning of unfamiliar words. These clues can include surrounding words, sentence structure, and the
overall context of the passage.
 Reading Strategies: Reading strategies are techniques and approaches that readers use to enhance their
understanding of a text. These strategies can include making predictions, summarizing, visualizing,
asking questions, and making connections.
 Text Structure: Text structure refers to the organization and arrangement of a written work. Different
types of texts (e.g., narrative, expository, persuasive) have distinct structures that influence how readers
approach and understand the content.
 Critical Reading: Critical reading involves analyzing and evaluating a text's content, arguments, and
evidence. It requires readers to think critically about the author's intentions, biases, and the overall
validity of the information presented.
 Reading Comprehension Skills: Reading comprehension skills include identifying main ideas,
summarizing, making inferences, drawing conclusions, identifying cause-and-effect relationships, and
recognizing author's purpose and tone.
 Close Reading: Close reading is a careful and deliberate approach to reading, where readers examine the
details and nuances of a text to gain a deep understanding of its meaning and implications.
 Active Reading: Active reading involves engaging with a text interactively by highlighting key points,
taking notes, asking questions, and reflecting on the material. It promotes deeper understanding and
retention of information.
 Literacy: Literacy is the ability to read and write effectively. It encompasses not only the technical skills of
reading but also the broader ability to comprehend, analyze, and communicate through written
language.
 Phonics: Phonics is the understanding of the relationships between letters and the sounds they
represent. It involves recognizing letter patterns and decoding words by sounding them out.
 Phonemic Awareness: This is the ability to identify and manipulate individual sounds (phonemes) in
spoken language. It is a precursor to reading and helps with decoding and spelling.
  Digital Literacy: With the rise of digital media, reading also includes navigating and comprehending
online text, evaluating digital sources, and understanding multimedia content.
 Sight Words: Sight words are high-frequency words that readers recognize instantly without needing to
decode them. These words are often not phonetically regular.
 Reading Levels: Texts are often classified into reading levels based on complexity. This helps educators
match readers with appropriate materials to support growth.
 Informational vs. Literary Texts: Reading includes engaging with both informational (factual) and literary
(creative) texts, each requiring different approaches and skills.
 Literary Devices: Literary texts often employ devices like metaphor, simile, symbolism, and
foreshadowing, which enrich the reading experience and contribute to deeper understanding.
 Cultural and Historical Context: Understanding the context in which a text was written can provide
insights into the author's perspective, societal norms, and intended message.
 Multimodal Reading: In the digital age, reading extends to interpreting images, videos, and other
multimedia elements that accompany or replace traditional written content.

2. IMPORTANCE OR VALUES OF READING

Reading holds immense importance and values in personal, academic, and societal contexts. Here are some key
reasons why reading is highly valued:
 Knowledge Acquisition: Reading is one of the primary ways to gain knowledge about the world, history,
cultures, sciences, and a wide range of subjects. It provides access to information and ideas that expand
one's understanding and perspective.
 Language Development: Reading improves vocabulary, grammar, and language skills. Exposure to well-
written texts enhances communication abilities and the capacity to express thoughts and ideas
effectively.
 Cognitive Development: Reading stimulates cognitive functions such as critical thinking, analysis,
problem-solving, and creativity. It exercises the brain, improves concentration, and enhances mental
agility.
 Academic Success: Strong reading skills are essential for academic achievement across subjects.
Students who read regularly tend to perform better in exams, research projects, and class discussions.
 Empathy and Understanding: Reading fiction and literature allows readers to immerse themselves in
characters' lives, fostering empathy and a better understanding of diverse perspectives and experiences.
 Cultural Awareness: Reading exposes readers to different cultures, traditions, and historical contexts. It
promotes tolerance, cultural sensitivity, and a broader worldview.
 Personal Growth: Reading self-help books, biographies, and inspirational literature can contribute to
personal development, motivation, and a positive mind-set.
 Entertainment and Relaxation: Reading offers a source of entertainment and relaxation, allowing
individuals to escape into fictional worlds, experience adventures, and unwind.
 Lifelong Learning: Reading encourages a habit of continuous learning, ensuring that individuals remain
curious, adaptable, and open to new ideas throughout their lives.
 Critical Thinking: Engaging with complex texts promotes critical thinking skills, helping readers evaluate
information, assess arguments, and make informed judgments.
 Communication Skills: Avid readers tend to be better communicators, as they are exposed to a wide
range of writing styles, which enriches their own language usage and expression.
 Career Advancement: Strong reading skills are valuable in many professions, enabling individuals to stay
updated in their field, understand industry trends, and communicate effectively.
 Media Literacy: Reading helps develop the ability to critically assess and navigate digital and print media,
making individuals more discerning consumers of information.
 Problem-Solving: Reading exposes readers to diverse scenarios and challenges, enhancing their ability to
approach problems with creativity and analytical thinking.
 Imagination and Creativity: Reading fiction and imaginative literature fuels creativity by encouraging
readers to visualize scenes, characters, and scenarios.
 Social Interaction: Reading facilitates engaging discussions, book clubs, and conversations, contributing
to social bonding and shared experiences.
  Preservation of Culture and History: Reading historical texts and literature preserves cultural heritage,
traditions, and societal knowledge for future generations.
 Empowerment: Access to information through reading empowers individuals to make informed
decisions, advocate for themselves, and participate actively in civic life.

In essence, reading is a gateway to personal enrichment, intellectual growth, and a well-rounded, fulfilling
life. It empowers individuals with the tools to navigate the complexities of the world and make meaningful
contributions to society.

 Reading is crucial because it enhances concentration, memory, empathy, and verbal and written
communication. It can lower stress, enhance mental health, and grow longer your life. You can
discover new things via reading that will aid in your career and personal success. It expands your
thinking and provides you with a wealth of information and life lessons. You gain a greater
understanding of your surroundings. It keeps your mind engaged and fosters creativity. Reading
increases vocabulary and sharpens communication skills. Reading comprehension is crucial for a
child's academic performance since it enables them to grasp the full range of the curriculum and
enhances their language and communication abilities. Reading may also be a joyful and imaginative
activity for kids, opening up a variety of new worlds to them.

3. COMMON PROBLEMS IN SCHOOL

 Reading Comprehension Difficulties: Some students may struggle to understand the meaning of
what they read, which can lead to frustration and hinder their overall learning.
 Attention and Focus: Students with attention disorders may find it difficult to concentrate while
reading, affecting their ability to retain information.
 Learning Disabilities: Conditions like dyslexia and other learning disabilities can significantly impact a
student's reading skills.
 Lack of Motivation: Disinterest in reading can result from a lack of engaging and relevant materials,
which may lead to reduced practice and skill development.
 Language Barriers: English language learners may struggle with reading if they have limited
proficiency in the language.
 Reading Speed: Some students may struggle with reading at an appropriate pace, which can impact
their comprehension and overall reading experience.