I have selected the instructional strategy Three Level Guide. This strategy evokes multiple levels of comprehension, asking students to think about the text on a literal, interpretive, and applied level. Each level increases comprehension, from the most basic (literal) to the most advanced (applied), and can be applied in a variety of different content areas. After a text is selected for students to read, the teacher should then identify literal, explicit information that students should know after reading. The same should then be done for interpretive, inferred information that students should know, as well as applied information that students should consider, asking them to go beyond what is written. Three to six statements should be presented for each level, written clearly and simply. After students read the assignment, the teacher should then model the process of filling out the Three Level Guide, including how to respond to the different levels, as well as how to effectively defend and discuss their choices.
This strategy is a new to me, but I see a great deal of merit for its use in a classroom, specifically in middle grades. Teachers of all grade levels are being challenged to encourage students to think comprehensively about their reading, and I think that this simple strategy offers a terrific way for this to occur. I also feel that if teachers use it wisely, it can serve as a great discussion tool for students, so that it is not 'just another worksheet.' I look forward to using this in my classroom one day, and I would love if anyone in our class would try it in their classroom and provide feedback. I have a copy of the layout of the strategy if anyone is interested, let me know.
-Brandi Brink