Developing Engaged Readers through Concept-Oriented Instruction

Described is a project designed to increase students' motivation to read by engaging them in real-world problems using the concept-oriented reading instruction approach (CORI). Fifth-grade children in a multicultural Chapter 1 school (N = 25) were introduced to the CORI approach. Collaborating with researchers & a reading teacher, one classroom teacher implemented the program during the reading & science periods for six weeks & then in the reading period only for six weeks. In the "observe & personalize" component, students observed the real world & personalized their approach to learning by listing what they knew first & then writing down issues or ideas that they wanted to learn more about. In the "search & retrieve" component, students searched for ideas & information by reading various texts over an extended period. During the "comprehend & integrate" phase, students learned to locate trade books, find relevant sections of books, & integrate segments of text. Finally, individuals & groups communicated what they learned to others. An example from the CORI project is detailed & results of the project are reviewed. Findings show that real-world projects help motivate students to read & underscore the benefits of instruction designed to empower students to take responsibility for their own development. 8 References. L. Taub