The chapter “Alpha Box” talks about the methodology of working with the text for better understanding and memorization. Reading requires a certain degree of involvement in the process of understanding the text. Also important are the personal beliefs and views of the teacher on the process of perception of the text. Teachers can help students engage in reading by creating an environment in the classroom that will activate understanding processes. The author of the article says that literature teachers should use various involvement methods to make students’ work with the text productive (Teaching Focus, n.d.). One of these techniques is the “Alpha Box.” This technique involves using after-reading to understand the content of the text better. The author of the article describes in detail its application in classroom practice.
To do this, one needs to make an alphabetical table with a space next to each letter. Then, according to the technique, it is necessary to name an idea drawn from the text for each letter. Due to many letters, the student will need to go beyond the first two or three ideas that came to his mind. By remembering the idea for each letter of the alphabet, the student will involuntarily ponder the text, thereby better understanding it. The article’s author describes this technique as optimal since it combines a test of understanding of the text and a non-boring manner. It is interesting for the student to recall the idea of the material read for each letter, and the teacher achieves productive work with the text. Thus, the article describes the main advantages and the application and purpose of the Alpha Box method for involving students in the practical reading of classroom material.
Reference
Teaching Focus. (n.d.). Becoming actively engaged with required readings from text. Teaching Focus. Web.