When students face comprehension challenges, what is an effective way to promote their independence?

Promoting independence in students who face comprehension challenges can be effectively achieved by modifying text complexity. This approach allows students to engage with texts that are suitable for their current reading level while still being challenging enough to promote growth. By adjusting the complexity of the texts, educators can ensure that students are not overwhelmed, which can lead to frustration and disengagement. Instead, they can gradually build their skills and confidence as they encounter texts that are appropriately scaffolded to their abilities.

When students interact with texts that are tailored to their needs, they can develop strategies for understanding and analyzing content on their own. This fosters critical thinking and encourages them to take ownership of their learning, ultimately leading to improved comprehension and independence over time.

Providing complete answers, while it may seem helpful in the short term, can lead students to rely on the teacher for information rather than developing their own comprehension skills. Working in large groups might dilute individual attention and may not adequately address specific comprehension challenges. Restricting reading materials can limit exposure to diverse texts and hinder students' growth in reading skills. Thus, modifying text complexity stands out as the most effective approach to promote independence in students facing comprehension difficulties.