When a student is a struggling reader, testing them on science content is essentially inconclusive. If the content is inaccessible to the student, it’s like grading them on attendance even though the door to the classroom is locked! When dealing with the issue of struggling readers, I feel as though there are several routes to success in science. First of all, even as a biology instructor, I know I will be a reading teacher as well. It is important to help students with reading and literacy at all stages of their academic career. Everyone can use some improvement.
Second, since I will be teaching biology, it will be important to get the content across to all students regardless of their reading ability. The key to this issue is making the information accessible to all students. I think the picture on Dr. P’s PPT slide about shoveling the snow is a seriously fantastic explanation of accessibility. Using assistive technology, or at least providing options to all students, is extremely helpful in increasing accessibility. It would just not be fair to test a student on something they were supposed to have read in a textbook if they are grade levels behind their peers in reading ability, so offering all students the option of listening to a lecture instead really helps.
Kelli, I loved your analogy about taking attendance when the classroom door is locked - it was perfect! I agree with you, a teacher cannot punish a student for not understanding a question because they cannot read successfully. In order to test a science student on science content, the teacher must provide everyone with equal opportunities. Assistive technology is one example of doing so. Great reasons, and again, I loved your analogy!
ReplyDeleteYes...fabulous analogy! I find that putting kids in small groups of leveled reader/learners helps, too. Sometimes it takes awhile to form the right group that clicks, but it is so worth it. Another thing that encourages struggling readers is a comic book approach...something with attention grabbing graphics and limited text.
ReplyDeleteDr. Parlos slide about shoveling the snow also reminds me of a video that was shown in my Education for Exceptional learners class. The video about a man going for a job interview and he is the only one without a disability. It's a really interesting point of view.
ReplyDeleteThe video was created by the Disability Rights Commission in the UK.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k3AeIFup1qY