Reading in the Content Areas is a hands-on, strategy-based reading comprehension course. We will look at how students comprehend and learn with text and explore a variety of ways to assist them in these processes. Based on current research in the field, the emphasis in the class will be on the use of comprehension and content reading strategies within the context of effective instruction. Nevertheless, all the strategies in the world will not help children understand material that is written beyond their actual reading level. This class is built on the understanding that children should be given material on their instructional reading level in order for comprehension to take place.
Course Description. Reading in the Content Areas is a course that explores how students comprehend and learn with text and how teachers assist them in these processes. Participants will explore the nature and meaning of comprehension and strategic teaching and learning and will examine what it means to learn with texts. The emphasis in the class will be on the development of ways to think about the use of comprehension and content reading strategies within the context of effective instruction. Further, this class is built on the understanding that children should be given material on their instructional reading level in order for comprehension to take place. Theoretical and foundational considerations will help frame the exploration, modeling, and practice of a range of strategies.
Required Texts
McKenna, M. C., & Robinson, R. D. (2009). Teaching through text: Reading and writing in the content areas. Boston: Allyn & Bacon/Vango.
The Honor Code The honor system is a recognized and integral part of the University of Virginia. The system acknowledges that a student's work as a member of the University can be accepted without question and that any violation of a student's word is an offense against the entire student body. Violation of the honor code may result in dismissal from University courses and programs. All submitted assignments must be pledged by the student. See a further description of the UVA Honor Code.
