ELT365 · Day 180 — Reading aloud — when it helps and when it does not

Idea — Reading aloud focuses attention on decoding — pronunciation, not meaning. Use it for phonics with young learners or dialogue performance; avoid it as a comprehension tool.

Example — Round-robin reading (each learner reads a paragraph aloud) reduces comprehension: the next reader is rehearsing their turn, not listening to the current one.

Try — Replace round-robin reading with silent reading followed by one comprehension question. Compare the quality of answers.

Independent project; not affiliated with, endorsed by, or accredited by Cambridge University Press & Assessment. Confers no qualification.