Strategic Reading: Wilhelm

            I thought this excerpt was very informative and helpful. It reminds us that the best teaching practice is grounded in theory, and the more we can understand the theories on which our practices are based, the more effective we will be at implementing them in our classrooms in ways that benefit our students. In chapter 1, Maxine Green introduces the term “wide awake” teaching and learning. This refers to the importance of teachers forming a conscious understanding of their teaching purposes and processes, and students developing an understanding of “what they are doing, why they are doing it, and how they are or could be doing it” (5). I like this term a lot, as it represents the need for teachers to constantly test and observe their theories and see how they affect student learning. This will help teachers to examine and modify their instruction and make sure it is as effective as possible.

            Informed by Vygotsky's and Hillocks's assertion that what is learned must be actively taught, the authors offer a model not of teacher-centered or student-centered but of learning-centered instructional practice. This process begins with the teacher first modeling a new strategy in the context of its use and how to use it, then the teacher engages in the task with the students helping out. The students then take over the task of using the strategy with the teacher helping as needed. Lastly, the student independently uses the strategy and the teacher watches (11). This instructional process allows teachers to focus on what the students are learning as opposed to what the teacher actually did (which is what teachers have traditionally focused on). This allows the responsibility for learning to shift from the teacher to the students. I believe that learning-centered models should be used far more often, as they are highly effective in getting students to think critically. Also, it increases students’ motivation for learning.

            It seems clear that applying Vygotskian learning theory is the best way to meet the goals of more learning-centered instruction. The ultimate goal is for students to develop a wide repertoire of reading strategies that they can independently deploy in a wide variety of situations with a wide variety of texts, and to be able to use these strategies to participate and contribute in their communities and cultures (30). I thought that the authors did a great job of outlining the best strategies and processes to accomplish this goal, upon many other goals. Overall, I found the reading to be refreshing and extremely useful. Many of the strategies and situations discussed were completely new to me, and it is always helpful to learn about different theories and practices and how they can be used to benefit your students, and yourself.