Final answer:
To improve comprehension in college students, active reading strategies such as taking meaningful notes and asking questions, engaged learning through group activities, and a range of assessments are effective. Using a systematic reading approach and considering multiple perspectives also foster a deeper understanding of complex texts.
Step-by-step explanation:
To improve students' comprehension, especially at the college level, an effective instructional approach involves several key strategies. First, students should be proactive readers by looking up unknown words, taking meaningful notes, and asking questions to better understand the text's rhetorical situation. Additionally, creating context and gaining background knowledge can be achieved through brief activities and questions embedded within the text, fostering active learning. Next, to develop critical analysis skills, students should engage in a systematic method such as the three-step reading approach for complex materials, which includes pre-reading, first reading, and close reading.
Group activities are also valuable for enhancing comprehension where students share and revise initial responses to texts after considering various perspectives from peers. This process aids in grasping multiple interpretations and cultures, potentially leading to a more thorough understanding of the text's purpose or meaning. Lastly, educators should utilize a variety of assessments, from formative checks to more in-depth assignments, to verify core conceptual understanding and encourage deeper exploration of topics. Overall, a multifaceted approach that includes active reading, engagement with the material, collaborative learning, and diverse assessment methods can significantly improve students' comprehension skills.