Guidelines for Integrating a Reading Instruction Module into Standard Curriculum

Envisioning the Module:

A valuable opportunity for integrating reading instruction occurs early in the semester, often the first day of class. Introducing a primary text to a class could be a productive teaching moment, if we're willing to do more than simply hold up the text and remind each student to find the correct edition. Early instruction on the value of reading and the stages of the reading process emphasize the importance of effective reading for successful performance in the course. By modeling the stages of the reading process and providing opportunities for students to practice those stages, instructors familiarize students with the text, provide students with strategies for managing the reading workload, and engage students in the introductory content of the course.

Creating the Module:

• Choose one reading selection from your primary text and develop three assignments that require your students to apply each of the three stages of the reading process (pre-reading, reading for comprehension, and reviewing/responding). You may be assigning similar assignments already. If so, instead of creating three entirely new assignments, it may be more convenient to adapt assignments you already use so that they conform to the requirements of this module.
• Each item on the Reading Module Rubric should be represented in the assignment descriptions or directions. So, for example, the Stage One: Pre-Reading assignment should elicit the student's performance of the following pre-reading skills:
  • "describe implication(s) of the selection's title" (rubric stage 1, item 1)
  • "anticipate the selection's subject, content, or topic" (rubric stage 1, item 2)
  • "predict or questions the selection's focus or purpose" (rubric stage 1, item 3)
  • "express the student's purpose for reading the selection" (rubric stage 1, item 4)
• Create one assignment corresponding to each stage of the reading process, using the items from the rubric to guide the assignment description or directions.
• The first assignment MUST be completed by the student AFTER pre-reading but BEFORE reading the selection.
• The second assignment MUST be completed by the student AFTER they've read (and comprehended, hopefully) the assigned selection.
• The third assignment MUST be a written response to the reading selection.

Assigning the Module:

• The Reading Module may or may not be a graded assignment in your class. Some professors grade the module assignments to provide extra motivation for their students to succeed. Others do not.
• You may assign the module any time prior to the last week of class. Since ENGL 1101 is a writing class, many professors assign the reading module early in the semester (often the first week) in order to provide the foundation in effective reading that is required for effective writing.