Unit 1: Introduction and Research
The Critical Role of Practice
In order to be successful in today’s reading classroom, students must deeply understand both concepts and procedures. They need to be able to discuss and demonstrate their understanding effectively. However, demonstrating understanding is a process that must be continually practiced in order for students to be successful. It is not enough to simply learn a concept once; repeated engagement is key to mastery.
According to educational researcher Marzano (2010), practicehas always been, and always will be, a necessary ingredient to learning procedural knowledge at a level at which students execute it independently. Practice is especially important to help students apply reading comprehension strategies and word-study skills in various contexts.
Comprehension Check
1. According to the text, what must students do to be successful in the reading classroom?
a) Memorize vocabulary lists only
b) Deeply understand concepts and procedures
c) Read silently without discussion
2. What does Marzano (2010) identify as a necessary ingredient for learning procedural knowledge?
a) Frequent testing
b) Independent execution
c) Practice
3. Practice is especially important for helping students apply which skills?
a)Math and science skills
b) Reading comprehension strategies and word-studyskills
c) Handwriting and spelling skills
