Improving Inferential Comprehension: Strategies for Success

Improving Inferential Comprehension: Strategies for Success

As we grow older, we become more inclined to infer and draw conclusions about the information we encounter in our daily lives, whether it be through news articles or academic texts. Inference is the process of deriving meaning from information that is not explicitly stated in what we read or hear. The ability to infer accurately is crucial for effective comprehension and critical thinking, particularly when it comes to academic materials.

However, many students struggle with inferential comprehension and feel overwhelmed by the dense and complex materials that they are expected to read and analyze. To help improve inferential comprehension, there are several strategies that students can use:

1. Activate Prior Knowledge

Inferencing is often based on the knowledge and experiences we have already gained. Therefore, activating prior knowledge before reading can increase the likelihood of making inferences. Students can use brainstorming, mind maps, or graphic organizers to recall and organize previous knowledge to connect with the current topic.

2. Ask Questions

Asking questions before, during, and after reading can help students understand the text better and draw inferences. Encouraging students to ask themselves what they already know, what they would like to learn, and what they’ve learned during reading can improve their inferential comprehension.

3. Use Contextual Clues

Inferencing makes sense of text within context. Contextual clues such as illustrations, diagrams, and captions can provide valuable information to support inferences. Understanding tone, setting, and the main character’s personality can also provide further context that aids in inferential comprehension.

4. Predictions

Predicting outcomes and events can help students actively engage with the text and create inferences. Focusing on the author’s writing style and structure can help students identify patterns and generate predictions based on the text they have read.

5. Engage in Discourse

Discourse can provide an opportunity for students to refine their inferences. The classroom environment is a perfect platform to engage in discussions, debates and share ideas, opinions and inferences.

In conclusion, improving inferential comprehension requires a combination of strategies that help students to connect their prior knowledge with the text they are reading. By activating prior knowledge, asking questions, using contextual clues, predicting outcomes, and engaging in discourse, students can improve their comprehension, draw more insightful inferences, and enhance critical thinking skills.