Which strategy can promote student independence in reading?

Encouraging self-set and evaluated reading goals fosters student independence in reading by allowing learners to take ownership of their reading journey. When students set their own goals, they engage in a personalized learning process that makes reading more relevant and motivating for them. This strategy encourages them to reflect on their interests, strengths, and areas for improvement, ultimately leading to greater investment in their learning. By evaluating their progress against the goals they have established, students develop critical thinking and self-assessment skills that are essential for lifelong learning.

Promoting such autonomy empowers students to make choices about what they read and how they engage with texts, which is a key component of becoming a proficient and independent reader. In contrast, approaches like free reading without context or strict reading lists can limit the individual's engagement with the material and diminish the development of self-regulation and critical evaluation skills. Limiting collaborations among peers also diminishes opportunities for discussion and shared learning, which can further hinder independence.