How does teaching students to ask questions improve their reading skills?

Teaching students to ask questions is a powerful strategy that enhances their reading skills by encouraging active engagement and fostering a deeper understanding of the text. When students formulate questions as they read, they become more invested in the material, prompting them to think critically and make connections with prior knowledge. This process not only aids in comprehension but also helps students to retain what they read.

Asking questions leads students to delve beyond the surface level of the text, prompting them to reflect on the author's intent, themes, and character motivations. This interaction with the text transforms them from passive recipients of information into active participants in their learning journey, ultimately resulting in improved analytical skills and reading proficiency. By fostering curiosity and prompting students to seek answers, questioning supports the development of higher-order thinking skills that are essential for literacy.