ROLE OF ENGLISH TEACHERS IN K TO 12
DEBBIE A. TERRIBLE
One of the main concerns of an effective English teacher is how to impart lifelong reading skills among his students. The efficacy of the learning process highly depends on the reading abilities of learners which worth extends even beyond the classrooms. As English teachers, we are at the forefront of this mission.
The students’poor reading skills does not only impact negatively on the literacy levels of schools but adversely affect their future lives. Not only are students pressured in their subjects in comprehending difficult texts but the adverse effects in their future lives is more worrisome. With the coming of the digital age where easy access to voluminous information is made possible, good reading and comprehension skills have become a critical need.
Thus, it is quite lamentable to encounter some reading problems among our students knowing that this will have an impact on their learning skills. The concern becomes a worry as we imagine the pressure exerted on these students in comprehending difficult texts not only in the English subject but in other subjects as well.
The ability to read with understanding is indeed a critical skill in the learning process. Hence, remedial measures must be done by the teacher when the problem arises. As English teachers, we are at the heart of this challenge which makes us think of strategies to confront it.
The first step is to determine the level of reading skills of students then institute remedial measures in problem cases. Aside from the five strategies I cited in a previous article, some of the suggested approaches are: Develop in your students the habit and love for reading. Make them realize that reading is a must if they have to acquire knowledge and learning. Make them participate in reading exercises to determine and develop their weaknesses. Then institute remedial measures on a case to case basis.
Make the English subject interesting with the use of technology and online tools. And most importantly make them realize that their success in their future lives depends on their literacy levels boosted by their reading skills.
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The author is Teacher III at the Mababanaba High School in San Jose, Tarlac.