The Importance of Comprehension Monitoring in Reading

Mar 5 / Cheron Dixon
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Comprehension is the ability to derive meaning from what we have read. However, comprehension monitoring takes this a step further it is the reader’s ability to recognise when they understand the material and when they do not. Pupils with strong comprehension monitoring skills can identify gaps in their understanding and take the necessary steps to address them.

A proficient reader typically reads smoothly and automatically as long as comprehension remains intact. They do not need to constantly assess their understanding because it happens naturally. However, when they encounter difficulties, they instinctively engage in comprehension monitoring. This may involve stopping to reread a section more carefully, slowing down to allow more processing time, looking up unfamiliar words, analysing phrases for clarity, drawing upon prior knowledge, or seeking clarification on confusing points.

Why Does Comprehension Break Down?

There are several reasons why comprehension can falter. A pupil may come across new or unfamiliar vocabulary that disrupts understanding, or they may struggle with words that do not seem to fit the context. Sentences might appear vague or ambiguous, or the reader may lack the necessary background knowledge to fully grasp the subject matter.

Teaching Comprehension Monitoring Skills

Comprehension monitoring is not an automatic skill; it must be explicitly taught. Teachers play a crucial role in modelling and practising these techniques with pupils. To develop strong comprehension monitoring skills, pupils should be taught to:
  • Track their thinking while reading
  • Notice when they lose focus
  • Stop and go back to reread
  • Identify confusing elements in the text
  • Select the most effective strategy to resolve comprehension issues

Encouraging pupils to ask themselves reflective questions can also enhance their comprehension skills. Useful prompts include:
  • Where did I lose track?
  • Does this make sense?
  • Can I explain this in my own words?
  • What do I think will happen next?

Providing pupils with these questions on cue cards can be helpful, as they may not always remember them during reading tasks, even after repeated practice.

Fix-Up Strategies for Improved Comprehension

If pupils struggle to answer the above questions, they should use ‘fix-up strategies’ to regain comprehension. These include:

  • Rereading the problematic section
  • Looking up unfamiliar words in a dictionary
  • Clarifying concepts through discussion or further reading
  • Asking questions to gain deeper understanding

By actively teaching comprehension monitoring and encouraging pupils to take control of their understanding, we can help them become more confident and independent readers. This skill not only improves academic performance but also fosters a lifelong love of reading and learning.
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