Improving Comprehension Instruction: Rethinking Research, Theory, and Classroom Practice (Jossey-Bass Education) - Hardcover

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0787963097 ISBN 13: 9780787963095

Publisher: Jossey-Bass, 2002

Synopsis

Co-published by Jossey-Bass and the International Reading Association, Improving Comprehension Instruction provides a comprehensive overview of current research, proven methods, and successful applications for designing and delivering effective comprehension instruction in K-12 classrooms across the curriculum. Featuring chapters written by noted experts in literacy, cognition, and teaching methodology, this much-needed volume examines the broad array of strategies that teachers can use to develop comprehension proficiency in all students, even those who have had limited previous success in reading. Each chapter focuses on a particular facet of comprehension, presenting research, model instructional practices, and steps needed to ensure that the instructional innovations are effectively adopted in the classroom. The book also highlights sample lessons, showing how comprehension can be prompted, modeled, or demonstrated by the teacher. Strategies for instructing students from urban at-risk or diverse linguistic backgrounds, for overcoming particular reading problems, and for making effective use of educational technology receive prominent attention.

About this title

About the Author

Cathy Collins Block is professor of education at Texas Christian University and a member of the national faculty of The University of Notre Dame. She has directed and served as principal investigator of six nationally funded research projects, published numerous research studies on compliance, and has served on the board of directors of a number of educational organizations.

Linda Gambrell is director, division of education at Clemson University. She has coauthored books on reading instruction and written numerous articles published in journals such as Reading Research Quarterly, The Reading Teacher, Educational Psychologist and Journal of Educational Research.

Michael Pressley is the professor of psychology at Michigan State University. He is an expert in comprehension processing in primary-level reading education. Pressley has received numerous awards for his research contributions in the fields of cognition, reading, and teaching.

From the Back Cover

"An important compendium of first-class information. It is a valuable instructional guide at a time when classroom teachers are under unprecedented pressure for the nationwide move to standard-based reform and high stakes testing. Rather than continuing the myth of the 'good old days' of reading instruction, this book ensures that comprehension will become an integral part of the nation's literacy agenda."
― from the Foreword by Gerald G. Duffy, professor emeritus, Michigan State University

"Educators interested in an up-to-date account of comprehension research will appreciate the many and varied chapters in Improving Comprehension Instruction."
― Jane Osborn, Education Consultant, University of Illinois

"A rich resource for all interested in improving comprehension instruction. The specific 'close-ups' of good illustrative lessons and programs provided by the authors enable us to think deeply about instruction and visualize the possible. Taken together the chapters stimulate reflection about both the commonalities and differences in these research-based applications!"
― Donna Ogle, past president, the International Reading Association

From the Inside Flap

If students are to succeed they must learn to read well and the key to reading well is comprehension. Comprehension enables all students to fully discern, understand, and make meaning of both informational and narrative texts― and is vital for learning and literacy.

Co-published by Jossey-Bass and the International Reading Association, Improving Comprehension Instruction provides a comprehensive overview of current research, proven methods, and successful applications for designing and delivering effective comprehension instruction in K-12 classrooms across the curriculum. Featuring chapters written by noted experts in literacy, cognition, and teaching methodology, this much-needed volume examines the broad array of strategies that teachers can use to develop comprehension proficiency in all students, even those who have had limited previous success in reading. Each chapter focuses on a particular facet of comprehension, presenting research, model instructional practices, and steps needed to ensure that the instructional innovations are effectively adopted in the classroom. The book also highlights sample lessons, showing how comprehension can be prompted, modeled, or demonstrated by the teacher. Strategies for instructing students from urban at-risk or diverse linguistic backgrounds, for overcoming particular reading problems, and for making effective use of educational technology receive prominent attention.

This indispensable resource provides teacher educators, teachers, school leaders, administrators, policymakers, and other educators with the tools they need to put in place meaning-enhanced literacy instruction that can empower children to fulfill their potential and become good readers and learners.

Edition details

• Publisher: Jossey-Bass
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0787963097
• ISBN 13: 9780787963095
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 448
• Editor: Block Cathy Collins, Gambrell Linda B., Pressley Michael