Influences on comprehension, fluency, and word recognition Essay

Influences on comprehension, fluency, and word recognition - Essay Example Rather, it is a thinking process, where the reader thinks about what the symbols, signs and the words mean (p.99). To further contextualize the definition, the authors cited explanation from other sources that underscore how the reading comprehension reduces uncertainty and builds the bridge between the new and the known (p.99). The RAND Corporation also developed a similar definition, that which considers reading comprehension as the process of simultaneously extracting and constructing meaning through interaction and involvement with written language (Sweet and Snow 2003, p.10). Based from these definitions, one can infer several important insights. First, reading comprehension is a big concept that encompasses word and symbol recognition, the level of reading fluency and the ability to understand and think about the texts being read. Consequently, this paper will refer to reading comprehension as inclusive of cognition, fluency and word recognition. In addition, the framework also reveals that it is a construct resulting from social and/or cultural processes. The understanding required for the symbols and texts entails the influences of the environment, not unlike how children acquire cognitive abilities and behaviors. These points are important because they underpin the position that technology, motivation and instruction are crucial in developing reading comprehension ability. A study undertaken by Lietz (1996) measured the reading comprehension skills of students across six countries. There were at least four variables identified as major influences in a learner’s reading comprehension: gender, the education of the parents, the education of the learner, and the number of books and resources available (p.398). This study corroborates the position that reading comprehension is affected by environmental factors. For example, the education of the parents implies numerous dimensions. First, there is the level of awareness regarding the learner’s cognitive development. A higher educational attainment would mean a better understanding of the psychology of the learner. It could also be influence the perspective of the parents on education, academic performance and reading. Based from such perspective, the availability or unavailability of resources – which was also an identified variable - such as books, computer, the Internet, among others are determined. The body of literature on this subject echoes this theme. Alcantara et al. (2003), found that the attitudes of the parents, siblings and peers as well as the home background (i.e. whether the learner is read to or provided with sufficient reading materials) are crucial in the acquisition of reading comprehension ability (p.89). What these studies highlight is the fact that reading comprehension is a skill that is learned through a complex process, involving many factors. Student Motivation The student motivation is easily the most important variable that influences re ading comprehension or the acquisition of the ability. As has been mentioned earlier, reading comprehension is a cognitive process. This prompted Paris and Stahl (2005) to conclude that motivational processes are integral to it. It was argued that, generally, motivation, along other constructs, is behind comprehension, which for its part is considered as a psychological phenomenon (p.29). They demonstrated the dynamics of

Various Ethical Considerations in Education Essay

Various Ethical Considerations in Education - Essay Example There are certainly ethical issues that education stakeholders need to keep in mind and ponder over time so that they will be able to assess the impact of education on the society. Ethical issues in education encompass issues like teacher evaluation, value education, sex education and random drug tests. This paper analyses various ethical considerations in education, and how these considerations are important to the success of education. Education is an ongoing process in our lives. As we grow older, we receive new education and we keep passing the education that we have to others. Ethical considerations are expected to streamline the operation and success of education in people’s lives. These considerations are also aimed at regulating the distribution and exchange of education. These ethical considerations apply to both the receivers and givers of education, education institutes, management bodies, parents or even guardians of students. In many instances, educators and other stakeholders in education will be faced with decisions that are normally not in tandem with the organization’s policies and values. This is referred to as an ethical dilemma, and in these circumstances, one would be forced to make a decision that does not contravene the values of the organization. There are many ethical issues in education, and in all these issues, educators ought to be guided by appropriate and noteworthy decision-making strategies. The educator needs to evaluate various issues affecting an organization, and from this, he may be able to address all challenges facing the organization. The first step in addressing ethical issues in education is an acknowledgment of ethical issues and dilemmas. After this, the nature of the conflict needs to be clarified by the educators. Then, educators need to identify the involved processes in the conflict.