Reading Comprehension Strategies

A distinction is often made between skills and strategies. Skills are often conceptualized as unitary and automatic. Strategies are conceptualized as complex and effortful. Lysynchuk et al. defined comprehension strategies as “steps or actions that readers can take to enhance comprehension” (p. 460). Other available definitions are similar, but often have subtle distinctions. The National Institute for Literacy defines comprehension strategies as “conscious plans or sets of steps that good readers use to make sense of text.”

The National Reading Panel of the National Institute for Child Health and Human Development defined comprehension strategies as “specific procedures that guide [Page 841]students to become aware of how well they are comprehending as they attempt to read and write” (Sec. 4, p. 5).

What is important about these definitions ...