How can teachers encourage self-monitoring during reading?

Teachers can encourage self-monitoring during reading by teaching students to ask questions about their understanding. This approach fosters metacognition, where students become aware of their own thought processes and comprehension. By posing questions such as "Do I understand what I've read?" or "What does this mean?" students actively engage with the text and reflect on their comprehension and strategies. This self-questioning helps them identify areas where they may be struggling and prompts them to seek clarification or re-read sections, leading to deeper understanding and retention of information.

Promoting this habit not only strengthens comprehension skills but also builds students' confidence in their ability to navigate complex texts. It empowers them to take charge of their learning and develop strategies that can benefit them across various reading materials. This method stands in contrast to simply summarizing texts or limiting discussions, which may not actively involve students in evaluating their understanding or encourage them to think critically about what they read.