What type of reading is most likely to support comprehension development in students?

Engaging in diverse independent reading is highly effective for supporting comprehension development in students for several key reasons. When students have the opportunity to choose from a wide range of texts across different genres, topics, and formats, they are more likely to be invested and engaged in their reading. This choice allows them to explore their interests and motivates them to read more frequently.

Diverse independent reading also exposes students to various writing styles, vocabulary, and text structures, all of which contribute to a deeper understanding of language and meaning. As they navigate through different texts, they learn to make connections, draw inferences, and develop critical thinking skills necessary for comprehending complex materials.

Moreover, independent reading allows learners to practice pacing and stamina in reading, which is crucial for tackling longer and more challenging texts. It also gives them opportunities to reflect on their reading through personal interpretation, which further enhances their comprehension abilities.

In contrast, listening to audiobooks could offer some comprehension benefits, but it doesn’t provide the same level of engagement and text interaction that independent reading does. Writing summaries and participating in paired reading also have their advantages, but they might not offer the same breadth of exposure to diverse ideas and vocabulary that come from independent reading choices.