Why this approach is important

Textbooks are a very important resource and all students need to be encouraged to use them productively. When vague, general and individual reading activities are given to students, they read passively. They do not necessarily understand the meaning of the text particularly well. Reading that is done in this way has little benefit to the student. This is true in all curriculum subjects, not just in science.

When reading activities are done in pairs with a clear purpose and the text is discussed, manipulated and reworked, your students are able to take more meaning from what they are reading. These are active reading strategies. By using active reading strategies more often in your science lessons you will find that your students become more critical, reflective and analytical than before. Most importantly, they will understand their science better. You can use these activities to evaluate how your students’ understanding of science and skills are developing.

Pause for thought

  • Normally, how much reading do you do with your students in science lessons?
  • How well do you think your students can read?
  • How could you find out how well your students can read?

What you can learn in this unit

Active reading strategies