critically analyse the strength and limitation of any two method through which 'reading' can be developed as skill among children.
Answers
Answer:
The methods which can be used to develop reading skills among children are:
Direct method
In this method the child is asked to read the same text repeatedly. He is made to read it again and again till he can read in a fluent manner.
Positive aspects
1. While using this approach the child can read something which he likes and is familiar with.
2. The teacher can set an attainable goal for example 85 words per minute.
3. The students in the class can be divided into pairs of readers who respond to each other. They can read in turns and evaluate each other's speed and fluency.
4. The students participate actively. They learn to read aloud fluently.
Limitations
1. Reading the same text may become boring.
2. Students may not learn new words because reading is restricted to a certain piece of text.
Indirect method
In this method the students are asked to read on their own for a fixed time every day.
Positive aspects
1. All the students can choose their favourite books or magazines and read for a fixed time every day.
2. They can share their reactions to books with their classmates in peer discussion groups. This enables them to develop positive attitudes towards reading.
3. This method gives the student a chance to discover the pleasure of reading.
4. The students can develop a wider vocabulary by reading different books.
Limitations
1. The same level of fluency may not be attained by all the students.
2. No practice in loud reading.