Reading Comprehension Strategy Instruction in a First-Year Course: An Instructor's Self-Study

Abstract

The primary purpose of the study described here was to document the first author’s experiences delivering a repertoire of evidence-based comprehension strategies in context of a first-year university course. We first provide an overview of the literature related to students’ transition into the postsecondary environment, arguing for the need to engage in comprehension strategy instruction within first-year courses. We then overview the literature related to the provision of comprehension instruction to selected groups of postsecondary students. We next outline the study methodology including a description of the instructional program provided here. In an attempt to provide insights for others who may wish to provide similar instruction, we conclude by discussing emerging themes related to student learning and curriculum design as related to strategy instruction at the postsecondary level.

Keywords

• reading comprehension
• first-year students
• strategy instruction
• higher education
• self-study