What does explicit strategy instruction in reading comprehension involve?

Explicit strategy instruction in reading comprehension involves teaching specific techniques to improve comprehension. This approach allows students to understand how to navigate texts effectively by providing them with concrete strategies that they can apply independently. Techniques may include summarizing information, predicting outcomes, questioning the text, and making inferences. By explicitly teaching these strategies, educators help students become more deliberate and aware of their reading processes, leading to enhanced understanding and retention of material.

This method contrasts with implicit techniques that may not provide students with clear, actionable steps to follow, as well as strategies that focus solely on vocabulary or encourage guessing. Instead, explicit instruction is systematic and direct, ensuring that students know exactly what skills to use and when to utilize them in their reading.