What should teachers do to effectively assess comprehension skills?

To effectively assess comprehension skills, engaging in dynamic observation during reading activities is key. This approach allows teachers to observe students as they read, enabling them to gain insights into the students' thinking processes, strategies, and understanding in real-time. By interacting with students and asking questions during reading, teachers can gauge not only what students comprehend but also how they approach texts, which strategies they use, and where they may struggle. This method goes beyond static assessment tools and provides a more comprehensive understanding of a student’s comprehension abilities.

Structured observation also allows for immediate feedback and support, fostering a more responsive learning environment. This practice recognizes that comprehension is a complex skill that can vary widely among students and that understanding can be influenced by various factors, including engagement and strategies.

The alternatives, such as assigning only written tests or focusing solely on multiple-choice questions, limit the scope of assessment and do not provide a holistic view of a student's comprehension skills. Ignoring fluency in assessments misses an essential element of reading proficiency, as fluency is closely tied to comprehension. Effective assessment requires a multifaceted approach that captures the intricacies of students' understanding and reading behavior in context.