Topic: Reading, Annotations and Researchable Questions

10-second review: Teaches students to respond in writing while they are reading, leading to questions that can become researchable topics.

Title: “Investigative Reading and Writing: Responding to Reading with Research.” BT Petersen and JN Burkland. College Composition and Communication (May 1986), 236-241. A publication of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE).

Summary: Authors teach students to respond in writing to what they are reading—associations, question and thoughts. “From these initial responses, students develop questions by sharing responses with other students and with their instructor. They then seek to answer their questions by asking their peers, interviewing experts, performing an experiment, conducting a survey or doing research in libraries.” Thus, from their reading, students develop research questions.

Comments: In my experience as student, teacher and supervisor, I have not seen an emphasis on annotating reading, which will improve comprehension and lead to extended reading and application of the ideas gained from reading. I think every student in secondary schools and college should be taught to annotate their reading. Annotation is one key to active reading. RayS.