Thursday, May 10, 2012

Readability

Question: What could be the unintended effects of simplified syntax to increase readability for students?

Answer: “Found that while many publishers simplify syntax to enhance readability, this practice may result in texts that are unnatural or uncharacteristic of written English.” DL Brown and LD Briggs. 1986. P. 438.

Comment: Students must learn to read complex syntax. They will need to do so as they increase in grade level reading and in texts in content subjects, science, philosophy, literature, etc. Next question: How do you teach students to read complex syntax? Expose them to it. Show them how to “read” punctuation. Emphasize reading for ideas and teach them how to paraphrase complex ideas. RayS.

Title: “Annotated Bibliography of Research in the Teaching of English.” RK Durst and JD Marshall. Research in the Teaching of English (December 1987), 422-443.

No comments: