Saturday, September 21, 2013

Reading Strategies and How to Use a Textbook

The chapter on reading strategies was a bit overwhelming at first, but I think there are several beneficial strategies that could easily be implemented into a math classroom. For example, I think the vocabulary tree would be an excellent tool to help students see the relationships between different functions (linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, etc.). I would also like to teach my students to sketch their way through the text to help them visualize what certain mathematical concepts are really saying. In general, I think any type of map is beneficial in a math class because they help students see the bigger picture.

Reading a textbook can be difficult at times, especially a math textbook. However, chapter six lists some strategies that can help any student truly understand what is being presented in the text. I want to show my students how to use their textbook by giving them a textbook feature analysis. This will ask them to look at all aspects of the text to help them become independent readers. I also liked the Guide-O-Rama study guides discussed in this chapter. These can be beneficial for students and the teacher. Students can have a guide that tells them the facts on which they should focus, how the teacher thinks about what is being presented, and important questions they should consider. This strategy also gives the teacher the chance to ensure the students are focusing on the important parts of the text without being overwhelmed.


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