ERIC Number: EJ981502
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012
Pages: 17
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0826-435X
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
RC-MAPS: Bridging the Comprehension Gap in EAP Reading
Sterzik, Angela Meyer; Fraser, Carol
TESL Canada Journal, v29 n2 p103-119 Spr 2012
In academic environments, reading is assigned not simply to transmit information; students are required to take the information, and based on the task set by the instructor, assess, analyze, and critique it on the basis of personal experiences, prior knowledge, and other readings (Grabe, 2009). Thus text-based comprehension (Kintsch, 1998) alone is not sufficient for academic success. Top-down processing is also required; this involves applying prior knowledge to define purpose(s), to make and verify hypotheses, and to infer and question content (Macaro & Erler, 2008; Urquhart & Weir, 1991). Although research has given teachers direction regarding the approach to use when providing strategy instruction in their classrooms, it has been left to teachers to develop the specific teaching tools required. In this article, I propose Reading Comprehension MAP for Situation-based comprehension (RC-MAPS): an instructional technique that provides teachers with an easily modified tool to assist in developing interpretative comprehension skills among second-language readers in academic environments through the strategy of questioning.
Descriptors: Prior Learning, Achievement Gap, Reading Achievement, Reading Comprehension, English for Academic Purposes, Learning Strategies, Cognitive Processes, Teaching Methods, Second Language Learning, Second Language Instruction, Questioning Techniques
TESL Canada Federation. 408-4370 Dominion Street, Burnaby, BC V5G 4L7, Canada. Tel: 604-298-0312; Fax: 604-298-0372; e-mail: admin@tesl.ca; Web site: http://www.tesl.ca
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A

Peer reviewed
