Comprehension and Remedial Techniques

Reading for understanding help children not to pronounce words fluently or even word attacking but it also motivate them to have basic knowledge ,apply what they read and critically analyse the passage. This can only be possible because of technically constructed questions which test the five basic skills ,that's knowledge,application ,comprehension,analysis and evaluation.
When the teacher is constructing comprehension questions from the text ,should avoid stick to questions printed in the textbook, focus on literal factual questions which are close ended ,but rather the questions must promote divergent thinkers instead of convergent thinkers.
The target questions are helpful when asked before the children read the text.In case of difficult passage oral questions can be asked to enlighten children after each paragraph.However it may be monotonous to the fast readers as it breaks off the flow of the reading,although the weaker readers benefit immensely from grasping the meaning whilst reading from one section to the next.Because this system makes them to understand the whole passage as they identify the sequence and assisted through discussions.
The comprehension questions should be of general theme and short factual which involve in two or more parts of the passage.The other questions must be inference ,using the passage information as a basis.The questions must relate to the passage and children 's experience.
Full written questions are unnecessary to the juniours than to the infants. Oral answers are enough to improve listening and pupils should be allowed to write short answers during oral questioning session.
Remedial is not only done to examinable subjects only. Every subject taught can be remedied. Remedial generally is how the teacher revisit the areas the learner spotted to have difficulties.In most schools around Zimbabwe remedial committe formed by the members of staff is given the task to carry staff development courses to equip other teachers on the techniques of carrying the remedial work.Remedial reading is normally done after the normal teaching period.During remedial exercise the teachers are encouraged to regards individual children.
The professional remedial record book should show the progress of those being remeded.
Teachers are needed to take note of the point that textbook are not effective in remedial reading ,it is necessary to use simpler books which are lower to their grades.Some schools may have problems of reading materials so the teachers should improvise own booklets,reading cards ,using felt pens ,manilla ,newsprint and pictures from magazines and pamphlets.Phonic instruction is the strong element that benefits children during remediation.
In conclusion teachers should not turn blind eye to the backward readers merely by not attending to their problems. The teacher can only do so because there is a special teacher who can give those children who need special help so that they education may be effective.