Motivating the Reluctant Adolescent Reader

One of the most challenging situations which teachers experience is how to motivate the struggling adolescent reader. The article "Helping "Struggling" Students Achieve Success" written by Larry R. Johannessen is informative and relevant in this regard. The writer informs us about two ways to help"struggling" students to achieve success. These two approaches are the basics approach and the cognitive approach .
The basics approach focuses on the mechanisms of language and low level recall. On the other hand, the cognitive approach consists of eight principles of instructions designed to focus on more complex, meaningful questions and problems , making connections with students out of school experiences and engage students in powerful thinking strategies. In addition, scaffolding is used to accomplish tasks, and to encourage a high level of student interaction.
The writer presents sample activities to reinforce the concepts involved in the cognitive approach. The first activity focuses on the descriptive and narrative genres of writing in the English Language. It involves the strategy called "In The Act" - a mystery puzzler - which engages students in practice skills and thinking strategies involved in descriptive writing. The second activity - a scenario based activity- is equally effective in the teaching of Literature. It enables students to make connections between their own experiences and the world of the literacy work , and specifically the texts which they are reading.Undoubtedly, the cognitive approach is more motivational, more functional and relevant since it is "learning centered" and it assists "at risk" students to achieve their fullest potential. In addition, students are encouraged to become more independent thinkers.
The article is motivational and instructional as it highlights the benefits of using the cognitive approach. Teachers are encouraged to create a more student centered classroom , to promote peer / group work so as to motivate students to become independent thinkers and to instil a greater sense of confidence in themselves. In addition, care must be given in the selection of more relevant and appropriate exercises which will be challenging yet student friendly. Students will definitely be more encourageg to participate and to learn.