What instructional strategy can enhance reading comprehension in young learners?

Encouraging students to ask questions while reading is a highly effective instructional strategy that enhances reading comprehension, especially in young learners. This approach promotes active engagement with the text, allowing students to process information more deeply. When students formulate questions, they must think critically about the content, which leads to better understanding and retention of the material.

Asking questions can stimulate curiosity, prompting students to seek answers as they progress through the text. It can also lead to discussions that clarify misunderstandings and expand their comprehension of the story or subject matter. Moreover, this strategy teaches students to be reflective readers, helping them to connect the text with their own experiences and prior knowledge, which is vital for developing strong reading skills.

In contrast, paraphrasing all texts before reading may not be necessary and could even dilute the students' original engagement with the text. Offering multiple-choice questions during reading can sometimes limit the depth of analysis and critical thinking required, as students may focus more on selecting from given options rather than generating their own inquiries. Lastly, assigning lengthy homework readings without guidance can lead to fatigue and disengagement, particularly if students do not have the support to process the material effectively.