Hello Jennifer and the List:
   
  Unfortunately, "struggling through passages taking turns reading out loud" is probably the most common practice we are going to see among tutor/volunteer-based literacyESOL programs. This technique stresses word-by-word pronunciation and de-emphasizes comprehension.  As most basic literacy students think that reading = word decoding, that fits right in with what students want. But it doesn't let them practice the broader range of skills needed to become a good reader.
   
  It's a challenge to break tutors and students out of that tortured reading out loud go-round. But if you can get tutors to try "Supported reading strategies," the sessions will be much better. These include:
  Echo Reading--Tutor reads a phrase or sentence wih inflection that indicates understanding. Then student reads the same passage as an "echo"
  Shadow Reading--The tutor takes the lead reading and the student reads along with her/him her. The tutor can fade back and let the student take the lead if he/she is able, and then take the lead back if the student is struggling. The tutor does this smoothly, without any announcement of it.
  Choral Reading--Students support each other and the reading is usually smoother, especially if the teacher is in the "chorus." 
  Slient Reading--Most tutors and teachers are uncomfortable with this. "How will I know if I/they make a mistake??" But this is the most important reading. It's the goal of reading instruction. It's how most reading happens in life.
  Reading to Students--This is a good first step. If the tutor reads the text first, students will do better with whichever approach comes next. 
   
  From Bruce Carmel
  Turning Point
  Brooklyn NY 
  

Jennifer Hubler <JHubler at womenscenter.info> wrote:
        st1\:*{behavior:url(#default#ieooui) }                Thank you Ted for giving me a great idea AND a rationale that I can use with both tutors and students. I’ve been listening in on my small groups, and wondering if there would be a more effective way to learn than struggling through passages taking turns reading out loud. I think it makes the tutors feel safe and as you mentioned, they don’t have to work as hard. It’s going to be a hard sell, as most of my tutors are not experienced with teaching. I will think of a way to introduce it gradually. 
   
  Jenny Hubler, Adult Literacy Coordinator
   
  The Women's Center
  1723 Hemphill
  Fort Worth, TX 76110
   
  817-927-4040 x262
  jhubler at womenscenter.info
   

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