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We Need to Value Our Teachers More John F. Kennedy once said that the progress of a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education. The human mind is our fundamental resource. Many will argue that education is no longer important or necessary in this changing world that we are living but if we believe education is not important let’s check ignorance. Having a sound education can never be overrated. However, the disrespect and scant regards that the people of the nation have for our teachers continues to be unbearable to many of us. No longer do we value the role our teachers make in the lives of many students that have been entrusted in their care. The recent salary negotiation was just one example of how the nation proves to us of how much they hated us. When I peruse the comments made by my fellow citizens of Jamaica, I was very disturbed by some of them. I am very much certain that some of these same persons must have been influenced in a positive light by a teacher throughout their lifetime. It is full time we recognize that the role of a teacher goes far beyond the four walls of a classroom. We are required to be counsellors, mediators, lawyers, doctors, problem solver just to name a few, which clearly indicates that we wear many hats for which we are not appreciated of. The citizens of this country need to recognize that we are humans first before they start to ostracize us. There are many of us who are unable to even to assist with our very children because of the many administrative duties, lesson planning, preparing of assessment papers, marking examination scripts, and providing timely feedback to our students, with that being said, the nation needs to show us better respect. Our biggest critiques at times are non-educators who have no knowledge of what our job entails. They are basically staying out and looking in to provide a summative assessment without understanding the mechanics of our job description. Is it too much to require our citizens of this country to give us some credit forthe countless efforts and time we have entrusted in helping to mould the young minds of this nation?I guess the only time we are deemed essential is only when the country is being plagued by social factors that impact us negatively that’s the time when we are called to fix it. Our teachers have worked tirelessly and gone beyond the call of duty to serve the students entrusted in our care many time. All we need is just for society to value and treat us better. Show us respect! (Concerned teacher)
Title: Enhancing Reading Comprehension in the Content Area for Subject Teachers
Greetings,
Colleagues, kindly permit me a chance to express my viewpoint about a topic which I believe is very important especially in our school setting where they are many non-readers. You will agree with me that in every subject, reading plays a crucial role in understanding concepts and mastering content. As subject teachers, we have the power to unlock the potential of every student, including non-readers, by incorporating effective reading strategies into our teaching.
Below are a few practical strategies that teachers may use to assist non-readers in comprehending content- specific texts.
Understanding the Challenge
Non-readers are students who struggle with reading fluency, comprehension, or vocabulary.
Impact: Non-readers face challenges in accessing content-specific texts, which can hinder their academic success and confidence in the subject.
Importance of Reading in the Content Area
Reading Across Subjects: Reading is not limited to language arts; it is essential in every subject, from science and math to history and art.
Comprehension: Reading comprehension is the gateway to understanding complex concepts, analysing information, and critical thinking.
Strategies for Supporting Non-Readers
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Pre-Reading Strategies:
- Previewing: Encourage students to skim the text, examine headings, and review illustrations to activate prior knowledge and set expectations.
- Predicting: Prompt students to make predictions about the content based on the title, subheadings, and visuals. During Reading Strategies:
- Chunking: Break down the text into smaller, manageable sections and encourage students to read one chunk at a time, focusing on comprehension.
- Questioning: Teach students to ask themselves questions while reading to monitor comprehension and deepen understanding. Post-Reading Strategies:
- Summarizing: Guide students in summarizing the main ideas and key details of the text in their own words.
- Visualization: Encourage students to create mental images or sketches that represent the content they read, aiding in comprehension and retention.
Incorporating Visual Aids
Visual Aids: Utilize diagrams, charts, graphs, maps, and other visual representations to supplement text and enhance comprehension for non-readers.
Accessibility: Visual aids provide alternative ways of presenting information, catering to diverse learning styles and abilities.
Utilizing Technology
Digital Resources: Explore digital platforms, audiobooks, interactive simulations, and multimedia presentations to provide alternative formats for non-readers to engage with content.
Accessibility Tools: Leverage text-to-speech, read-aloud features, and translation tools to support non-readers in accessing and understanding complex texts.
Creating a Supportive Environment
Encouragement: Foster a supportive and inclusive classroom environment where non-readers feel comfortable seeking assistance and expressing their challenges.
Differentiation: Implement differentiated instruction to meet the diverse needs of students, including modifying assignments, providing scaffolding, and offering alternative assessments.
Collaboration with Reading Specialists
Collaboration: Work collaboratively with reading specialists, interventionists, and support staff to identify strategies and resources for supporting non-readers in the content area.
Professional Development: Participate in professional development opportunities to enhance your knowledge and skills in literacy instruction and differentiation.
Conclusion
Effective reading instruction is essential for supporting non-readers in comprehending content-specific texts across all subjects.
I want to encourage all educators to make acommitment by implementing strategies in our teaching practices to empower all students, regardless of their reading abilities, to succeed academically and beyond.
Miss N. Spence