Taking Critical Reading

to the Next Level With Scaffolding

https://takingreadingtothenextlevel.wordpress.com
 Taking Critical Reading
to the Next Level With Scaffolding
TESOL 2019 International Convention
and English Language Expo
Atlanta, Georgia, USA • March 12–15, 2019

https://takingreadingtothenextlevel.wordpress.com
Taking Critical Reading to the Next Level With Scaffolding

Introductions

Jane Curtis
Roosevelt University, Chicago
jcurtis@roosevelt.edu

Susanne McLaughlin
Roosevelt University, Chicago
smclaugh@roosevelt.edu
 Taking Critical Reading to the Next Level With Scaffolding

Agenda
I. Introduction and Background
II. The Importance of Guiding Students Toward Criticality
III. Rationale for Criticality at the Curricular Level
IV. Using Scaffolding to Develop Criticality
V. Final Thoughts and Questions

https://takingreadingtothenextlevel.wordpress.com
Taking Critical Reading to the Next Level With Scaffolding

Introduction and Background

Roosevelt University
• no required TOEFL score for admission
• full program of English support
The English Language Program at Roosevelt University
ELP 086
Beginning Level ELP 087 ELP 088 ELP 089
Beginning Level Beginning Level Beginning Level
Speaking and
Grammar Reading Writing
Listening

ELP 096
Intermediate Level ELP 097 ELP 098 ELP 099
Intermediate Level Intermediate Level Intermediate Level
Speaking and
Grammar Reading Writing
Listening

ELP 106
Advanced Level ELP 107 ELP 108 ELP 109
Advanced Level Advanced Level Advanced Level
Speaking and
Grammar Reading Writing
Listening

ELP 110 /111

Bridge Level
Writing
Taking Critical Reading to the Next Level With Scaffolding

Introduction and Background

English Language Program (ELP)
• matriculated students
• grad and undergrad
• variety of majors
• three levels + bridge
• separate skills curriculum
Taking Critical Reading to the Next Level With Scaffolding

Introduction and Background

Advanced Reading in ELP
• skill-based approach
• packed curriculum
Taking Critical Reading to the Next Level With Scaffolding

Guiding Students Toward Criticality

Critical readers need to:
• analyze
• question
• evaluate
• compare and contrast
• assess
Taking Critical Reading to the Next Level With Scaffolding

Guiding Students Toward Criticality

Critical Reading
• not a skill set
• judgement
• an attitude > criticality
Taking Critical Reading to the Next Level With Scaffolding

Guiding Students Toward Criticality

Criticality is:
• openness to new ideas
• will to be well-informed
• ability to use credible sources
• will to listen to other points of view
• ability to take a position and defend it

Wilson (2015)
Taking Critical Reading to the Next Level With Scaffolding

Rationale: Curricular Criticality

Challenges – ESL students
• focus on navigating content
• lack cultural knowledge
• lack schema for U.S. academic expectations
• lack confidence
Taking Critical Reading to the Next Level With Scaffolding

Guiding Students Toward Criticality

Typical Textbook Assignment
Unit 1 – Choose one of the following and carry out some
online research about your creature. Present your
findings to the class.

Chupacabra, Loch Ness Monster, Bigfoot, …

Taking Critical Reading to the Next Level With Scaffolding

Rationale: Curricular Criticality

Taking Critical Reading to the Next Level With Scaffolding

Rationale: Curricular Criticality

Goals and Objectives Reviewed
• Past – Critical Thinking & Digitial Media Literacy
• Now – Combined Critical Reading
Taking Critical Reading to the Next Level With Scaffolding

Rationale: Curricular Criticality

In the Classroom
• Past – skill-based approach
• Now – scaffolded development of criticality
Taking Critical Reading to the Next Level With Scaffolding

Scaffolding to Develop Criticality

Scaffolding
• classroom - supportive learning environment
• instructor - mentor and facilitator
• students – transition to independence
Taking Critical Reading to the Next Level With Scaffolding

Scaffolding to Develop Criticality

Scaffolding in ELP Advanced Reading
• applies broadly
• starts at curriculum level
• allows students to risk
• is cyclical and synergistic
Taking Critical Reading to the Next Level With Scaffolding

Scaffolding to Develop Criticality

Scaffolding Elements
• guiding questions
• visual organizers
• multiple modalities
• low stakes tasks
• recycling texts
Taking Critical Reading to the Next Level With Scaffolding

Scaffolding to Develop Criticality

Putting It Into Practice – Three Examples
• beginning
• mid-semester
• late in the term
Taking Critical Reading to the Next Level With Scaffolding

Scaffolding to Develop Criticality

Putting It Into Practice – Unit 1 Reliability
• low stakes assignment
• evaluate reliability of three websites
• curated and narrow, but challenging
Taking Critical Reading to the Next Level With Scaffolding

Scaffolding to Develop Criticality

Unit 1 Reliability
Taking Critical Reading to the Next Level With Scaffolding

Unit 1 Reliability
Taking Critical Reading to the Next Level With Scaffolding

Scaffolding to Develop Criticality

Website 1
Taking Critical Reading to the Next Level With Scaffolding

Scaffolding to Develop Criticality

Website 1
Taking Critical Reading to the Next Level With Scaffolding

Scaffolding to Develop Criticality

Website 2
Taking Critical Reading to the Next Level With Scaffolding

Scaffolding to Develop Criticality

Website 3
Taking Critical Reading to the Next Level With Scaffolding

Scaffolding to Develop Criticality

Putting It into Practice – Unit 3 Stance
• low stakes assignment
• article with the obvious stance?
Taking Critical Reading to the Next Level With Scaffolding

Scaffolding to Develop Criticality

Taking Critical Reading to the Next Level With Scaffolding

Scaffolding to Develop Criticality

Article 1
Taking Critical Reading to the Next Level With Scaffolding

Article 2
Taking Critical Reading to the Next Level With Scaffolding

Scaffolding to Develop Criticality

Putting It into Practice – Unit 6 Evaluating Evidence
• low stakes activity
• type and quality of evidence
Taking Critical Reading to the Next Level With Scaffolding

Scaffolding to Develop Criticality

Task:
How does the author support her position?
What type of evidence does she use?
Is it research, anecdotes, quotations, statistics, etc.?
Discuss with your group. Make a list.
Taking Critical Reading to the Next Level With Scaffolding

Scaffolding to Develop Criticality

Taking Critical Reading to the Next Level With Scaffolding

Scaffolding to Develop Criticality

Taking Critical Reading to the Next Level With Scaffolding

Final Thoughts
Criticality is an attitude shift.
• Criticality doesn’t replace critical thinking skills.
Students must routinely use those skills.
• Prepare, repeat, reuse/recycle.
Unit 1 texts can support Unit 6.
• Scaffold now and prepare students for what comes
next in their academic career — and in life.
Taking Critical Reading to the Next Level With Scaffolding

Questions