Ed.Tech.TESOL

Reading is a receptive activity which is different from productive ones such as speaking and writing. In reading, the process of decoding happens in which readers try to find the meaning from the writing. In order to be good readers, we must consider the process in reading as in the following:

1. Activating background knowledge
2. Mastering knowledge about language and literacy 
3. Understanding cultural values and belief

Similarly, we need to consider those process in teaching reading to our students.

Most students can easily answer the questions related to familiar reading texts. They assert that Indonesian folk stories which are translated into English and used in the reading class are much more easier to catch the gist and answer the questions. Even, they do not have to read the whole paragraph 'I can answer the question with my closed eyes'.

How can they easily do the reading? Yup, the answer is that they have the background knowledge previously. On the contrary, how we can activate students' background knowledge on unfamiliar reading materials such as reading on international table manner. Do you have any ideas about 'International Table Manner'?

To resolve this questions, there is methods in reading skills namely SQ3R (Survey, Question, Read,  Recite and Review) to activate students' background knowledge. In the stages of survey and question, students will read at glance and ask questions to grasp the gist of the reading.

The above explanation is related to the discussion on activating background knowledge. The next discussion is how to master knowledge about language and literacy.

Language skills including listening, speaking, reading and writing are interconnected. When students learn reading, they sometimes learn grammar simultaneously. It similarly happens in other language skills. Thus, mastering knowledge about language and literacy is not an instant process. Teachers need to integrate this knowledge to class activities.

In terms of understanding cultural values and belief, teachers require to expose students with variety of reading materials inside and outside of the classes. During the class session, teachers can give additional explanation related the cultural values, belief, custom or culture in the reading materials. Out of the class, teacher can suggest students to have reading for pleasure as homework or pastime activities. Student just need to take their favorite books and read them regularly.

Questions and Answers:

1. What can teacher do to improve student comprehension in reading?
2. How do teacher motivate students to read?
3. ...

To Learn -to gain knowledge or skill by studying, from experience, from being taught, etc
To Study – the activity of learning or gaining knowledge, either from books or by examining things in the world

From those two definitions, we may conclude that study is the action and learn is the goal. This is the reason why we should maintain enjoyable activities or create preference environments to support our language development. Thus we can get the ultimate result of knowledge.

Have you ever heard of a joke 'Saya kagum sama anak-anak di Inggris yang lancar bahasa Inggris' (The British kids are amazing that they can speak English fluently). You will reply with the answer 'we are 100% at the same boat. You must be out of your mind saying that fact'. Based on my experience, it is also amazing to find out Indonesian kids born or raised in England becomes very fluent in English, Indonesian, less fluent in Javanese and Arabic. As a matter of fact, they speak English like native speakers as they have an excellent environment to support their language development. They practice their English most of their time such as at school, home and Islamic center. In addition, the media also expose the use of English as significant inputs for their vocabulary such as in TV, internet, books, billboard, leaflet, information board etc.