How can students improve their comprehension according to monitoring techniques?

Students can improve their comprehension by reflecting on their understanding because this technique encourages them to think critically about the material they have read. Reflection allows learners to assess what they have learned, identify areas of confusion, and make connections to prior knowledge. This self-monitoring process leads to greater awareness of their own thought processes and helps them to clarify their understanding of the text.

Engaging in reflection can involve asking themselves questions about the main ideas, the author’s purpose, and how the new information fits into what they already know. This deeper engagement with the content allows students to reinforce their comprehension and enhances retention.

In contrast, asking for help immediately may not allow students the time to grapple with the material and discover solutions independently. Reading faster could detract from careful comprehension, as it might lead to overlooking important details. Summarizing at the end of the book, while useful, does not promote ongoing comprehension during the reading process, which is key to effective learning. Reflecting on understanding as one reads fosters continuous engagement and a better grasp of the material.