What are some ways to assess whether students
are reading and understanding their texts as opposed to comprehension tests or
book reports?Why is it best to avoid
the overuse of comprehension tests or book reports?
Before I read this chapter, I would have answered the prompt in this manner: as I’ve written earlier, I like to read aloud with students – alternating paragraphs with them. The following day I read with a different student. When I come back around to the student, just asking and discussing what they read without me is a pretty good comprehension check. After reading the chapter I had my eyes opened to some new ideas! I do the ‘prepare and practice for oral reading’ with students. It helps build self-esteem and I think others look at the reader differently when they can orally read with fluency and certainty. This works as long as general education teachers clue me in and allow my students time to prepare for the oral reading assignment. I can see students liking to do commercials for books; they’re short and to the point without having to do a lot of written preparation. I want to try these with students and see their reactions.
I think having the conversations with the students and the letter writing between the teacher and the student (as mentioned earlier in the book) would be a great way to find out if the student is reading and comprehending the book. When first starting out, the teacher could have a list of generic questions that could go with any book to use to start a discussion. As the conversation continues, the teacher can branch out. I think there could be the option of small, quick activities the students could do to show their comprehension of a book. A book blurb, book commercial, short comic stripe depicting the main events in the book, describe ending of story and how you may change it, write/record a song of what happened in the book, ect. There are some students that enjoy the arts and music, for example, that may enjoy doing these types of activities. Of course, the teacher would have to make it known that the activities don't have to be perfect and that they shouldn't take more than a couple days to complete.
One of the teachers I get to work with has the student bring their book to class. He opens the book and orally reads a page or so to the student and asks, 'What is this about?' or 'Did you like this part?' It is a good conversation starter and the student gets to explain why it was a good or bad book to read. Other students listen and it could entice them to read the book.
Jerrie, What a neat idea! I will have to remember this to recommend to other teachers. Having students talk about what they are reading is very important to show the students your own interest in what they choose to read. Also, the student and teacher may look at the book at a different perspective, and have even more to discuss.
I loved her idea about having conversations with her students and writing letters with her students about their books. It's a way to find out if they are reading without making them do a formal book report. I also like Jerrie's idea...very neat!!
I did that the other day with one of my students. I was able to tell the comprehension of the story. When I asked higher level questions, I could tell he was no adept at answering those types of questions. Even relating it to his life is sometimes hard to do. It's a start though
I like the author's idea of using book commercials and book reviews rather than comprehension tests or book reports. Writing book reviews not only shows that the students read the book, but it can also help students with their writing skills by learning to summarize and use strong vocabulary. Comprehension tests and book reports get monotonous for students and teachers. Some comprehension tests ask for specific details that are irrelevant to the story. Sitting through numerous book reports can be quite boring for everyone.
I agree book commercials and book reviews is a great way to test the students rather than through book reports or test. I feel that this is a way to teach outside of the box because they still have to know the book however they are having to put a commercial together I also feel it brings out creativity.
I agree that having a class sit through book reports can be very boring, in fact some students (and teachers) might consider it torture. Students hate to prepare book reports, many are plagiarized out of desperation to complete the assignment. So what has really been assessed? The good reader will write/present a good book report; the poor reader will likely give an awful book report even if they read every word of their book.
I like the idea she gives of doing a book review. This allows students more freedom and serves a purpose and getting others interested in a book. This type of review would be more kid friendly and done in different ways, maybe the art student could draw, and the tech kid do a power point, more options make for happy students and teachers. Let the students use their area of strength to respond.
From what I observed in classrooms many teachers are getting away from book reports but using other forms to still get in the reading and comprehension skill. I observerd a English class that she does 2 book reports throughout the year with 3 choices to choose from in giving their book report. She may have them make book marks with characters and setting and summarizing, Mobile that they make with the characters and setting, plot, conflict, oral presentaition, box that has their characters made out of clay, playdough and the setting then they have to orally present. I think this is a great way to differentate instruction to meet the needs.
Book commercials and book reviews are suggestions the author gives as alternatives to book reports or comprehension tests. I think, in a nutshell, the author conveys to me that I should be talking WITH my students about books, not AT them.
The over-use of comprehension tests like AR narrows the focus of students to passing the test and doesn't really give students the time to appreciate books and develop a true love of reading. Comprehension tests can become the purpose of reading, whereas a book report is also an "external motivator".
When the AR test or the book report becomes the reason to read, it may seem to some as a task and or a restriction that they can't read what they want.
I agree - we need to talk with the students and not at them. Thankfully, we don't do AR tests, there were so many ways kids found to not read the books and yet score high enough on the tests to get points. I grew to detest the idea of AR.
I wish we didn't do AR tests! My daughters read quite a bit, take AR tests, and don't complain. But they like school. I know some kids don't like to read that much, and really detest the AR tests.
I agree Ginger! My son's school uses AR...I sometime wonder if that is the only reading that he is doing in school. He reads all the time (which is definitely a change) at school; however, he doesn't transfer that love of reading to home. He is learning a lot from what he reads though, because he comes home and talks about his books.
I really don't like that we do AR in the school I work in. It makes so that kids just read because it is a have to not a want to. The students in my class will read a lot and then as soon as they reach the points they are suppose to get to they stop reading altogether. On top of what it doesn't do to make kids love reading the questions they ask are terrible.
I just had a discuss about AR with a teacher. She likes AR. I think that it limits some kids on what they read. My sons both had the most points for Ar in Elem and Jh but they like to reread books and books that are not on AR.
I also said kids do not choose books that are not AR
Does anyone anywhere like AR tests? Finally, an author willing to take a stand against them. I still maintain that they in no way motivate a student to read more, but rather, they frustrate kids into disliking the mere thought of reading another AR book.
An alternative that the author discusses is book commericals or book reviews instead of the traditional way of testing for comprehension and then having book reports. I feel that the author is trying to convey that traditional is good but come up with some other ways that students are still engaged but learning the same skill. I think book commercials is non threatening to students as they are trying to recoomend their book to other students in the classroom. I feel this helps to encourage other studetns to look into this book and they are also able to share their thoughts with the class. This way of thinking will provide the teacher with comprehension skills because it will come out in what they are discussing with the class. So comprehension is alos tested just through observation. I also feel that sometimes comprehension testing test skills however when testing about a book what the reader got out of the story may not be what the comprehension test is looking for. The book reviews are a helpful research based skill. They are able to look at other books that the author wrote and possibly be able to recommend this author to other students. Alot of times if they like a book they like the authors way of writing so they will continue with that same author. I also like how you have to compare with other books to see differences that you may like or may not like. It is a great piece to elaborate not only the reading of the book but to look further and extend. I think these are all great ideas.
You made a good point about if the student likes the book s/he probably likes the writing style of the author. I think that is true with all people. Why read someone you don't like? The author also points out that some of her students were particularily fond of some authors and were the first ones in line to get the new book...that may be ch. 7
In my 8th grade reading class we read the "Hunger Games" the 1st semester, it was a book the students choose to read. I have 1 student who has read the 2nd book and has started on the 3rd one. Yesterday he came in class and told me that the 1st chapter of book 3 was so boring! He is right. I have read the trilogy myself and knew immediately he had started the final book. I told him that all of part 1 of the final book is rather boring but to keep plugging through that it gets better! Little conversations like that are very valuable in assessing whether or not your students are reading. Of course it is helpful if they are reading books I have read myself, the conversations become more natural! I have found like the example I just gave that conversations, teachers asking the right kinds of questions with students giving oral answers is a quick and easy indicator of whether a student is reading or not. Comprehension tests and book reports make reading a chore, something that turns kids off of reading! My favorite books I read in high school were not tied to a class but were books I read on my own. I often got more out of them than the books I was required to read!
I think having a conversation with students about books they have read is important. It make them see you as a reader and you have a bond in the book read. Students have different perspectives of book than we do as adults so it is interesting and important to hear what they think.
I totally agree. The books I read in High School were not for class. That is great you had read the books so you can check comprehension in a short conversation.
The author mentioned several ways to check comprehension other than completing a book report. I liked her ideas of a book commercial, because they are short, students can prepare for them, and students can get others excited about what they are reading. Another way was completing a book review, because it was an authentic opportunity for students to share their love of reading! I also liked her idea of having conversations with students about reading and writing letters back and forth. These are also authentic opportunities to talk about reading and share a love or dislike of a particular book.
I liked the idea of Book Commercials. I think my students would really like to persuade others to read books that they have read. I also like the idea of having the students add what books they like based on the "book commericial" in their book journals. I really like this idea much better than book reports. I also like the idea of a classroom blog where students can write what they did or didn't like about a book. I think the older kids I work with would really like this. The idea of having "conferences" with my students would not only let me know whether they are reading but also it would be a great opportunity to have some one on one time with my students.
I think the blog would be great. Students like technology. I also like the book commercial idea and conferencing is better than just writing it on paper.
I forgot about sitting through book reports! I remember that now from when I was a kid. When this book mentioned them, I was thinking do the book report for the teacher to read and grade. Now you gave me another memory to remind me why NOT to do book reports!
I like your point that a book review lends itself to "more freedom" for kids. Your idea sounds somewhat like parts of Universal Design for Learning where the kids play off their strengths to complete the book review instead of one size fits all book report form.
The thing about AR is that it does not foster a love of reading in kids. Good readers are going to read no matter what reading program is in place in school. It's the struggling readers that a program such as AR makes reading even worse for them! AR puts pressure and stress into reading. Kids are not reading for fun and enjoyed but for a program mandated goal.
I like you phrase "authentic opportunities". We are having the same discussion regarding grades in our building. Why does everything have to be attached to a worksheet or paper? There are so many other ways to assess students than paper and pencil. It's funny how we scramble to keep up with the latest technology in regards to teaching but still use old fashioned methods when it comes to grading or assessing students knowledge base! Just a little off topic, sorry!
I have students write 5 sentences. about what they read. I also encourage them to tell me the 5 w's of what they read. Why, When, Where, What and who. Sometime this is writing sometime in conversation. I have them tell me if I should read the book or not. I have read many books on student suggestions and they have read some that I have recommended.
Depending upon the size of the class, a conversation with the teacher would be optimal. A letter to the teacher (elementary) or blog (at MS or HS levels) can serve the same purpose since it is set up within the confines of a relationship, which we know is what motivates some of our kids who are at-risk. What I am hearing about this teacher's philosophy is, "let the students make their own meaning (find their own examples), and I will step away from being the primary dispenser of knowledge."
Some alternatives to traditional comprehension tests are book commercials, book reviews, and writing the letter to the teacher in the notebook. I really liked these ideas and feel the students would respond more positively than to traditional tests or book reports. The problem today with book reports is the internet. You can find just about any summary on a book you are looking for without having to read it. When students are just asked to read the information in order to pass a test, they see it as a chore not an enjoyment. They also may just look for the answers without understanding the entire book.
After books are read instead of using traditional comprehension tests like AR or written tests have students try and sell their book to the class. They can make ads and create little commercial type clips using things like Antimoto.com. They can make posters or depending on what your theme is you can have a wax museum using characters from your books to tell about the story. Students need ways to use the learning mode that works best for them. They can even make rap songs to tell about their book and the information in it. Comprehension tests and book reports are only using one type of learning mode and students who don’t learn well with that mode will be bored and will struggle to show you what they truly know.
Some of my favorite ideas gleaned from this chapter were: book talks, book reviews, book commercials, journalling back and forth between student and teacher. I also like to have book conferences with students that are really just conversations about what they are reading.
Before I read this chapter, I would have answered the prompt in this manner: as I’ve written earlier, I like to read aloud with students – alternating paragraphs with them. The following day I read with a different student. When I come back around to the student, just asking and discussing what they read without me is a pretty good comprehension check.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the chapter I had my eyes opened to some new ideas! I do the ‘prepare and practice for oral reading’ with students. It helps build self-esteem and I think others look at the reader differently when they can orally read with fluency and certainty. This works as long as general education teachers clue me in and allow my students time to prepare for the oral reading assignment.
I can see students liking to do commercials for books; they’re short and to the point without having to do a lot of written preparation. I want to try these with students and see their reactions.
giving students self-esteem in reading orally is a huge feather in their hats.
DeleteI think having the conversations with the students and the letter writing between the teacher and the student (as mentioned earlier in the book) would be a great way to find out if the student is reading and comprehending the book. When first starting out, the teacher could have a list of generic questions that could go with any book to use to start a discussion. As the conversation continues, the teacher can branch out. I think there could be the option of small, quick activities the students could do to show their comprehension of a book. A book blurb, book commercial, short comic stripe depicting the main events in the book, describe ending of story and how you may change it, write/record a song of what happened in the book, ect. There are some students that enjoy the arts and music, for example, that may enjoy doing these types of activities. Of course, the teacher would have to make it known that the activities don't have to be perfect and that they shouldn't take more than a couple days to complete.
ReplyDeleteOne of the teachers I get to work with has the student bring their book to class. He opens the book and orally reads a page or so to the student and asks, 'What is this about?' or 'Did you like this part?' It is a good conversation starter and the student gets to explain why it was a good or bad book to read. Other students listen and it could entice them to read the book.
DeleteJerrie,
DeleteWhat a neat idea! I will have to remember this to recommend to other teachers. Having students talk about what they are reading is very important to show the students your own interest in what they choose to read. Also, the student and teacher may look at the book at a different perspective, and have even more to discuss.
I loved her idea about having conversations with her students and writing letters with her students about their books. It's a way to find out if they are reading without making them do a formal book report. I also like Jerrie's idea...very neat!!
DeleteI did that the other day with one of my students. I was able to tell the comprehension of the story. When I asked higher level questions, I could tell he was no adept at answering those types of questions. Even relating it to his life is sometimes hard to do. It's a start though
DeleteI like the author's idea of using book commercials and book reviews rather than comprehension tests or book reports. Writing book reviews not only shows that the students read the book, but it can also help students with their writing skills by learning to summarize and use strong vocabulary. Comprehension tests and book reports get monotonous for students and teachers. Some comprehension tests ask for specific details that are irrelevant to the story. Sitting through numerous book reports can be quite boring for everyone.
ReplyDeleteI agree about the book reports. Some teachers do a book talk, more of an oral book report. It also has pros and con.
DeleteI agree book commercials and book reviews is a great way to test the students rather than through book reports or test. I feel that this is a way to teach outside of the box because they still have to know the book however they are having to put a commercial together I also feel it brings out creativity.
DeleteI really like the idea of book comercials as well. I really think that the students I work with would really enjoy doing this.
DeleteI agree that having a class sit through book reports can be very boring, in fact some students (and teachers) might consider it torture. Students hate to prepare book reports, many are plagiarized out of desperation to complete the assignment. So what has really been assessed? The good reader will write/present a good book report; the poor reader will likely give an awful book report even if they read every word of their book.
DeleteI like the idea she gives of doing a book review. This allows students more freedom and serves a purpose and getting others interested in a book. This type of review would be more kid friendly and done in different ways, maybe the art student could draw, and the tech kid do a power point, more options make for happy students and teachers. Let the students use their area of strength to respond.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I observed in classrooms many teachers are getting away from book reports but using other forms to still get in the reading and comprehension skill. I observerd a English class that she does 2 book reports throughout the year with 3 choices to choose from in giving their book report. She may have them make book marks with characters and setting and summarizing, Mobile that they make with the characters and setting, plot, conflict, oral presentaition, box that has their characters made out of clay, playdough and the setting then they have to orally present. I think this is a great way to differentate instruction to meet the needs.
DeleteI like the idea of a 3D activity for the students to do for a book report!
DeleteBook commercials and book reviews are suggestions the author gives as alternatives to book reports or comprehension tests. I think, in a nutshell, the author conveys to me that I should be talking WITH my students about books, not AT them.
ReplyDeleteThe over-use of comprehension tests like AR narrows the focus of students to passing the test and doesn't really give students the time to appreciate books and develop a true love of reading. Comprehension tests can become the purpose of reading, whereas a book report is also an "external motivator".
When the AR test or the book report becomes the reason to read, it may seem to some as a task and or a restriction that they can't read what they want.
I agree - we need to talk with the students and not at them. Thankfully, we don't do AR tests, there were so many ways kids found to not read the books and yet score high enough on the tests to get points. I grew to detest the idea of AR.
DeleteI wish we didn't do AR tests! My daughters read quite a bit, take AR tests, and don't complain. But they like school. I know some kids don't like to read that much, and really detest the AR tests.
DeleteI agree Ginger! My son's school uses AR...I sometime wonder if that is the only reading that he is doing in school. He reads all the time (which is definitely a change) at school; however, he doesn't transfer that love of reading to home. He is learning a lot from what he reads though, because he comes home and talks about his books.
DeleteI really don't like that we do AR in the school I work in. It makes so that kids just read because it is a have to not a want to. The students in my class will read a lot and then as soon as they reach the points they are suppose to get to they stop reading altogether. On top of what it doesn't do to make kids love reading the questions they ask are terrible.
DeleteI just had a discuss about AR with a teacher. She likes AR. I think that it limits some kids on what they read. My sons both had the most points for Ar in Elem and Jh but they like to reread books and books that are not on AR.
DeleteI also said kids do not choose books that are not AR
Does anyone anywhere like AR tests? Finally, an author willing to take a stand against them. I still maintain that they in no way motivate a student to read more, but rather, they frustrate kids into disliking the mere thought of reading another AR book.
DeleteAn alternative that the author discusses is book commericals or book reviews instead of the traditional way of testing for comprehension and then having book reports. I feel that the author is trying to convey that traditional is good but come up with some other ways that students are still engaged but learning the same skill. I think book commercials is non threatening to students as they are trying to recoomend their book to other students in the classroom. I feel this helps to encourage other studetns to look into this book and they are also able to share their thoughts with the class. This way of thinking will provide the teacher with comprehension skills because it will come out in what they are discussing with the class. So comprehension is alos tested just through observation. I also feel that sometimes comprehension testing test skills however when testing about a book what the reader got out of the story may not be what the comprehension test is looking for. The book reviews are a helpful research based skill. They are able to look at other books that the author wrote and possibly be able to recommend this author to other students. Alot of times if they like a book they like the authors way of writing so they will continue with that same author. I also like how you have to compare with other books to see differences that you may like or may not like. It is a great piece to elaborate not only the reading of the book but to look further and extend. I think these are all great ideas.
ReplyDeleteYou made a good point about if the student likes the book s/he probably likes the writing style of the author. I think that is true with all people. Why read someone you don't like? The author also points out that some of her students were particularily fond of some authors and were the first ones in line to get the new book...that may be ch. 7
DeleteIn my 8th grade reading class we read the "Hunger Games" the 1st semester, it was a book the students choose to read. I have 1 student who has read the 2nd book and has started on the 3rd one. Yesterday he came in class and told me that the 1st chapter of book 3 was so boring! He is right. I have read the trilogy myself and knew immediately he had started the final book. I told him that all of part 1 of the final book is rather boring but to keep plugging through that it gets better! Little conversations like that are very valuable in assessing whether or not your students are reading. Of course it is helpful if they are reading books I have read myself, the conversations become more natural!
ReplyDeleteI have found like the example I just gave that conversations, teachers asking the right kinds of questions with students giving oral answers is a quick and easy indicator of whether a student is reading or not. Comprehension tests and book reports make reading a chore, something that turns kids off of reading! My favorite books I read in high school were not tied to a class but were books I read on my own. I often got more out of them than the books I was required to read!
I think having a conversation with students about books they have read is important. It make them see you as a reader and you have a bond in the book read. Students have different perspectives of book than we do as adults so it is interesting and important to hear what they think.
DeleteI totally agree. The books I read in High School were not for class. That is great you had read the books so you can check comprehension in a short conversation.
DeleteThe author mentioned several ways to check comprehension other than completing a book report. I liked her ideas of a book commercial, because they are short, students can prepare for them, and students can get others excited about what they are reading. Another way was completing a book review, because it was an authentic opportunity for students to share their love of reading! I also liked her idea of having conversations with students about reading and writing letters back and forth. These are also authentic opportunities to talk about reading and share a love or dislike of a particular book.
ReplyDeleteI liked the idea of Book Commercials. I think my students would really like to persuade others to read books that they have read. I also like the idea of having the students add what books they like based on the "book commericial" in their book journals. I really like this idea much better than book reports. I also like the idea of a classroom blog where students can write what they did or didn't like about a book. I think the older kids I work with would really like this. The idea of having "conferences" with my students would not only let me know whether they are reading but also it would be a great opportunity to have some one on one time with my students.
ReplyDeleteI think the blog would be great. Students like technology. I also like the book commercial idea and conferencing is better than just writing it on paper.
DeleteReply to Angela:
ReplyDeleteI forgot about sitting through book reports! I remember that now from when I was a kid. When this book mentioned them, I was thinking do the book report for the teacher to read and grade. Now you gave me another memory to remind me why NOT to do book reports!
Reply to Kim Stevens:
ReplyDeleteI like your point that a book review lends itself to "more freedom" for kids. Your idea sounds somewhat like parts of Universal Design for Learning where the kids play off their strengths to complete the book review instead of one size fits all book report form.
Reply to Ginger:
ReplyDeleteThe thing about AR is that it does not foster a love of reading in kids. Good readers are going to read no matter what reading program is in place in school. It's the struggling readers that a program such as AR makes reading even worse for them! AR puts pressure and stress into reading. Kids are not reading for fun and enjoyed but for a program mandated goal.
Reply to Krista:
ReplyDeleteI like you phrase "authentic opportunities". We are having the same discussion regarding grades in our building. Why does everything have to be attached to a worksheet or paper? There are so many other ways to assess students than paper and pencil. It's funny how we scramble to keep up with the latest technology in regards to teaching but still use old fashioned methods when it comes to grading or assessing students knowledge base! Just a little off topic, sorry!
I have students write 5 sentences. about what they read. I also encourage them to tell me the 5 w's of what they read. Why, When, Where, What and who. Sometime this is writing sometime in conversation. I have them tell me if I should read the book or not.
ReplyDeleteI have read many books on student suggestions and they have read some that I have recommended.
Depending upon the size of the class, a conversation with the teacher would be optimal. A letter to the teacher (elementary) or blog (at MS or HS levels) can serve the same purpose since it is set up within the confines of a relationship, which we know is what motivates some of our kids who are at-risk. What I am hearing about this teacher's philosophy is, "let the students make their own meaning (find their own examples), and I will step away from being the primary dispenser of knowledge."
ReplyDeleteSome alternatives to traditional comprehension tests are book commercials, book reviews, and writing the letter to the teacher in the notebook. I really liked these ideas and feel the students would respond more positively than to traditional tests or book reports. The problem today with book reports is the internet. You can find just about any summary on a book you are looking for without having to read it. When students are just asked to read the information in order to pass a test, they see it as a chore not an enjoyment. They also may just look for the answers without understanding the entire book.
ReplyDeleteAfter books are read instead of using traditional comprehension tests like AR or written tests have students try and sell their book to the class. They can make ads and create little commercial type clips using things like Antimoto.com. They can make posters or depending on what your theme is you can have a wax museum using characters from your books to tell about the story. Students need ways to use the learning mode that works best for them. They can even make rap songs to tell about their book and the information in it. Comprehension tests and book reports are only using one type of learning mode and students who don’t learn well with that mode will be bored and will struggle to show you what they truly know.
ReplyDeleteSome of my favorite ideas gleaned from this chapter were: book talks, book reviews, book commercials, journalling back and forth between student and teacher. I also like to have book conferences with students that are really just conversations about what they are reading.
ReplyDelete