Students have a rich array of life experiences that can be used to learn new knowledge. Adult students exhibit better reading skills when reading familiar texts. However, even with unfamiliar texts, students often have real-life experiences or background knowledge regarding the topic. To assist students in attaining a better understanding of new material, have them check “what they really know” about a topic before reading a passage. Use reading materials that connect students’ prior knowledge, experiences, and interests with what is being taught.
In order to activate background knowledge:
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Put students in interactive discussion formats so that their ideas and experiences come into direct contact with others
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Bridge the gap between personal and text knowledge during activities and between home and school experiences, languages, and cultures
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Understand and respect diversity
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Instruct students on a moment-to-moment basis, responding to confusion and providing support on a continuing and evolving basis based on what students know and don’t know; using the discussion to make instructional decisions
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Demonstrate that it is important to use known information while reading. Show students familiar expressions with one or two words deleted. As they read the expressions, have them fill in each blank with the exact word. (Example: A penny saved is a penny earned.) Next, give each student a copy of a brief passage that has words deleted and have them fill in each blank with one word. Point out that they filled in some blanks because of their knowledge of English syntax and other blanks because of their knowledge of the subject matter. Discuss with them why there were different, yet equally acceptable responses that could be put in some blanks and how those responses related to a given reader's prior knowledge.
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Make students aware of their personal knowledge about a topic. Pre-reading activities that activate background knowledge orient students to the topic and facilitate comprehension. Once the topic of a selection has been identified by previewing/surveying, students need to consider what they know about that topic and what it means to them. Focus students’ attention through techniques such as free association or brainstorming. Have them discuss their ideas. Using graphic organizers or the K-W-L procedure also help students access their personal knowledge before reading.
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Expand or clarify background information. There may be a larger than normal gap between what students know and what they need to know in order to understand a topic. Research has shown that misinterpretations or misinformation can be more troublesome than no background knowledge at all because learners may manipulate information to fit their misconceptions. Two techniques to help focus attention on students' inaccurate background knowledge are:
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Have students list the ideas or questions that they have about the main topic. As they read the material, have them locate information related to their ideas or questions.
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Create statements to challenge or confirm students’ opinions. After reading the material, have a discussion where the students agree or disagree with the statements. Have them produce information from the text to support their statements.
Adapted from: Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) Classroom Connections, Reading Instructional Handbook. Retrieved from the World Wide Web on 03/22/06 at: http://www.pasd.com/PSSA/Partner/medrep.htm.
After the Test
Some students are just so thankful to have completed a test that they don’t ever want to see it again. However, it is important that students take time to review a returned test so they can learn more about what they need to do to be better prepared in the future. After the test is finished, students should spend time comparing how they did versus how they think they performed. Did they really spend enough time preparing for the test? Immediately after a test is the time to start thinking about the next test and what can be done to improve performance.
Students should keep all of the materials they used to prepare for the test until that test has been graded and returned. If there are mistakes or items of which the student is unsure, having those notes can make a difference in clearing up any problems or misconceptions.
Students should take time to review the results of their test and look for any patterns or specific problem areas. This will provide information that students can use before taking another test so they avoid repeating the same types of problems.
Students should analyze the test by looking at the types of questions that were asked and the format used for specific questions. This will provide clues for the format and content of future tests. Students should check to see if more test questions came from print material or from lectures and presentations. If the bulk of the material is covered during lectures, then students need to attend class every session and take good notes that can be used to more adequately prepare for future tests. Last but not least, if students missed specific questions and don’t know why, they should talk with the instructor so they can get a clear understanding of what was wrong and how they should approach similar problems in the future.
Uses basic computer literacy skills to organize files and data, word processing to complete reports and develop presentations, style manuals to identify the appropriate manner in which to cite resources, and appropriate searching techniques to access material from the World Wide Web.
Most colleges require each degree-seeking student to demonstrate proficiency in using a Windows-based computer operating system, along with components of an integrated productivity software package, including word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation and/or communication applications. In today’s world, students need these skills both in school and in the workplace.
Colleges often provide classes, tutorials, and labs that students can access to improve their computer skills. It is highly recommended that instructors encourage students to do so as soon as they enroll in college or in the time leading up to beginning college classes. In addition to classes, there are numerous online resources available for students. The following list provides just a few of the online resources that students can use to improve their technology skills.
Jan’s Illustrated Computer Literacy 101 This online course is an excellent resource for students and can be used with permission in the classroom. Instructors who wish to use the site to teach computer basics, Word. PowerPoint, Excel, and other programs, must request permission using the online form. There is no charge for using the site. There is a minimal charge for receiving a CD of the lesson. Access the site at: http://www.jegsworks.com/lessons/.
Four Nets for Better Searching This site developed by Bernie Dodge focuses on using Google as the primary search engine. Step-by-step instructions are provided. Access the site at: http://webquest.sdsu.edu/searching/fournets.htm.
Things to Know Before Your Begin Searching This tutorial was developed by the University of California at Berkeley Library and provides a wide range of material that students can use to learn more about effective Internet searching. Access the site at: http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/TeachingLib/Guides/Internet/ThingsToKnow.html#Top.
Evaluating Websites This tutorial was also developed by the University of California at Berkeley Library and may be downloaded and printed as needed. Access this site: http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/TeachingLib/Guides/Internet/EvalForm_General_Barker.pdf.
Bare Bones 101: A Basic Tutorial for Searching the Web This tutorial was developed by the University of South Carolina Beaufort Campus Library and provides an excellent resource for learning how to use effective search strategies on the Internet. Access this site at: http://www.sc.edu/beaufort/library/pages/bones/bones.shtml.
Vocational Information Center This site has hundreds of links related to technology, computers, and careers. Access the site at: http://www.khake.com/page17.html.
Touch Typing Tutorial This site provides students who don’t know their way around a keyboard with an opportunity to learn the basics of touch typing. The program can be used online or may be downloaded. Access the site at: http://www.senselang.com/.
Nimble Fingers Touch Typing Tutorial This site provides students with the basics of touch typing as well as techniques to improve typing skills. Access the site at: http://www.nimblefingers.com/.
Technology Skills Self-Assessment Survey This site was developed by Florida Gulf Coast University and provides students with an opportunity to assess their own technology skill levels. This site also provides tutorials on: email, Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. Access the site at: http://www.fgcu.edu/support/technologyskills/begin.asp.
Style Manuals and Writing Guides This site developed by California State University at Los Angeles provides links and downloadable documents related to all major style manuals and their associated resources. Students may access these sites to identify the appropriate manner in which to cite references and resources in their papers, reports, etc. Access this site at: http://www.calstatela.edu/library/styleman.htm.
Style Manuals and Citation Guides This site developed by Duke University Libraries includes links and resources for all major style manuals and citation guides. Access the site at: http://www.lib.duke.edu/reference/style_manuals.html.
References, Resources, and Websites
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