I agree completely that passing tests/getting good grades should not be the emphasis when it comes to learning to read and becoming skilled at reading comprehension. As for estimating, I was confused back in the group activity as to what "estimating" actually referred to in the reading process - are you estimating what kind of word it is, verb, noun, adjective? Therefore, I also agree that "estimating" is a vague word and could or could not be applicable, depending.
I also agree that when it comes to reading in elementary school, making it enjoyable and giving them class time to read books of their choice is beneficial. Passing tests and getting good grades will become so important in a student's life, eventually. It would be nice to hold off on some of that pressure while the kids are first learning skills they will need to apply later, in order to get good grades and test scores.
Your thoughts on "estimating" are compelling. The point about how estimating can potentially lead to confusion is one that I hadn't thought about. When I think of estimating when it comes to reading, I think of predicting. The efficient readers predict as they read and then check those predictions as they read. I was thinking that a similar process would be involved with estimation. But, maybe not?
I see where you're coming from, and I had not interpreted it that way. While I am not strong in my math skills, I still more readily connect estimating with math. Actually, that is probably WHY I think it might lead to confusion. Knowing my learning strengths and weaknesses allowed me to make this connection the way I did. Rather than "estimating" I think perhaps "assessing" or "evaluating" might be more 'friendly' words. Maybe not? All of these words will need to be taught for their meaning and usage. I don't believe there is harm in expanding students' vocabulary across subjects.
When I read estimating, I actually thought of it in terms of interpreting meaning and "coming close" to what the intended meaning of the words are. So, using my definition, I thought it would be essential. I could see how the word could take on different meaning depending on interpretation. I am in full agreement about not testing reading in the early grades. I think a teacher can effectively evaluate individually, for the purpose of teaching without the use of damaging tests and even grades in reading.
I agree completely that passing tests/getting good grades should not be the emphasis when it comes to learning to read and becoming skilled at reading comprehension. As for estimating, I was confused back in the group activity as to what "estimating" actually referred to in the reading process - are you estimating what kind of word it is, verb, noun, adjective? Therefore, I also agree that "estimating" is a vague word and could or could not be applicable, depending.
ReplyDeleteI also agree that when it comes to reading in elementary school, making it enjoyable and giving them class time to read books of their choice is beneficial. Passing tests and getting good grades will become so important in a student's life, eventually. It would be nice to hold off on some of that pressure while the kids are first learning skills they will need to apply later, in order to get good grades and test scores.
ReplyDeleteYour thoughts on "estimating" are compelling. The point about how estimating can potentially lead to confusion is one that I hadn't thought about. When I think of estimating when it comes to reading, I think of predicting. The efficient readers predict as they read and then check those predictions as they read. I was thinking that a similar process would be involved with estimation. But, maybe not?
ReplyDeleteI see where you're coming from, and I had not interpreted it that way. While I am not strong in my math skills, I still more readily connect estimating with math. Actually, that is probably WHY I think it might lead to confusion. Knowing my learning strengths and weaknesses allowed me to make this connection the way I did. Rather than "estimating" I think perhaps "assessing" or "evaluating" might be more 'friendly' words. Maybe not? All of these words will need to be taught for their meaning and usage. I don't believe there is harm in expanding students' vocabulary across subjects.
DeleteWhen I read estimating, I actually thought of it in terms of interpreting meaning and "coming close" to what the intended meaning of the words are. So, using my definition, I thought it would be essential. I could see how the word could take on different meaning depending on interpretation. I am in full agreement about not testing reading in the early grades. I think a teacher can effectively evaluate individually, for the purpose of teaching without the use of damaging tests and even grades in reading.
ReplyDelete