Artifact - Rationale & Reflection NBPTS: Proposition 4 Standard: Teachers Think Systematically about Their Practice and Learn

from Experience. Artifact: Literature Review

Rationale: The literature review that I completed for my action research project is the piece I have selected for this proposition. It shows evidence of my desire to stay updated on current research and most importantly it was done for the purpose of investigating a problem in my current teaching situation. The literature review was the preliminary step in action research before diving into the critical examination process. I was happy to read up on research and use the knowledge I gained to devise a plan for answering the burning questions I had about my classroom.

Reflection: Completing a review of literature on the research topic of my choice was extremely enlightening. The primary purpose in conducting the literature review was to locate evidence that efforts to teach children a combination of fluency and comprehension strategies would lead to reading that is accurate, expressive, and understood. After locating and reviewing many articles, it was evident to me that there are a variety of ways to reach students who have difficulty constructing meaning through reading. The decision was made to collect data in order to determine what the effects of independently reading aloud with just-right books, listening to audio books, and weekly word wall activities have on students and their ability to construct meaning through the reading process. Each of these instructional techniques has proved to increase students fluency rates, attitudes, and understanding of what they read and listen to. This entire process was an invaluable one!