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Reading Comprehension

Strategies for Independent Learners, 2nd Edition

By Camille Blachowicz, Donna Ogle

Published July 1st 2008 by Guilford Press – 304 pages

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    Description

    Now in a revised and updated second edition, this practical resource and widely used text presents a wealth of research-based approaches to comprehension instruction. The authors offer specific classroom practices that help K–9 students compare and evaluate print and online sources, develop vocabulary, build study and test-taking skills, and become motivated readers. The second edition reflects new research on informational literacy and academic and content-specific vocabulary development, and also discusses the impact of recent federal initiatives. Newly updated sample activities, classroom- and text-based examples, resource lists, and reproducible classroom tools enhance the utility of this indispensable work.

    Reviews

    "Blachowicz and Ogle once again demonstrate their preeminence in the field as they address the most complicated and important challenge faced by literacy students and teachers. They provide a uniquely contextualized and research-based view of reading comprehension as students’ print-based learning from fiction and informational texts. They go on to guide teachers’ planning, assessment, and instruction to promote independence. The detailed, accessible nature of this book will make it a treasured reference for all teachers concerned about their students’ academic success." - David J. Chard, Southern Methodist University, USA

    "This is a practical, readable, research-based volume. As a result of their extensive work in classrooms, Blachowicz and Ogle show us how to create contexts that support each student's journey toward independence. The second edition brings the book up to date by integrating the latest research on vocabulary development and informational literacy, including reading on the internet and strategies for effective instruction. Whether you are a new teacher planning instruction for the first time or an experienced veteran seeking refinements to your reading curriculum, you will find this text a rich source of teaching ideas." - Nancy Padak, Department of Teaching, Leadership, and Curriculum Studies, Kent State University, USA

    "This artfully constructed book allows any teacher, novice or experienced, to walk away with an increased knowledge base on reading comprehension. The authors have succeeded in conveying this complex topic in a comprehensive yet easy-to-read and practical format. The volume provides real-life scenarios that can help teachers actively, constructively, and purposefully scaffold comprehension instruction to promote skillful, strategic, self-monitored, and critical reading." - Carrice Cummins, PhD, Louisiana Tech University, USA

    "The user-friendly format allows teachers to read the book from cover to cover or to sample individual chapters based on interests or needs. From strategies for reading fiction and nonfiction to ideas for engaging in research and other learning tasks, Blachowicz and Ogle’s informative work is packed with useful explanations, techniques, and tips for helping students become better comprehenders. Based on extensive work with teachers and students in schools, this practical book deserves a special place on any literacy educator’s bookshelf." - Rachel Brown, Syracuse University, USA

    Contents

    Learning about Comprehension from Good Readers. A Closer Look at Comprehension: Context, Processes, Strategies, and Instruction. Creating an Effective Classroom for Comprehension Instruction. Finding a Starting Point: Ways to Assess Comprehension. Strategies for Reading for Information. Strategies for Reading Fiction. Strategies for Vocabulary Development. Strategies for Engaging in Research. Strategies for Performing Tasks, Studying, and Taking Tests. Strategies That Encourage Lifelong Reading.

    Author Bio

    Camille Blachowicz, PhD, is Professor of Education at National-Louis University, where she also directs the Reading Specialist program and the Reading Center. She is the author of several books and numerous chapters and articles on vocabulary and comprehension instruction and working with at-risk readers. Dr. Blachowicz is codirector of the Advanced Reading Development Demonstration Project in the Chicago Public Schools. She has been named to the roster of Outstanding Teacher Educators in Reading by the International Reading Association.

    Donna Ogle, PhD, is Professor of Education at National-Louis University. She is the author of many publications related to comprehension development, and has particular interest in informational reading and learning. Dr. Ogle is currently director of two multi-school projects in the Chicago Public Schools: Project ALL (Advancing Literacy for Learning) and the Transitional Adolescent Literacy Leadership (TALL) Project. She is a member of the Reading Hall of Fame and a past president of the International Reading Association.

    Name: Reading Comprehension: Strategies for Independent Learners, 2nd Edition (Paperback) – Guilford Press 
    Description: By Camille Blachowicz, Donna Ogle. Now in a revised and updated second edition, this practical resource and widely used text presents a wealth of research-based approaches to comprehension instruction. The authors offer specific classroom practices that help K–9 students compare...
    Categories: English & Literacy/Language Arts, Teaching & Learning