The Research On Developing The Learners' English Reading Cognitive Strategies In Grade 7

The present research is based on cognitive learning theory, information processing theory, schema theory, logic , constructivist learning theory, reflective theory and life-long learning theory. The plan is designed according to the students' current situation and the reading requirement of the new curriculum.The research consists of 3 parts: pre-experiment, experiment and post-experiment. Data from pre-experiment and post-experiment, which include questionnaires, interviews and test reading, are compared.The experiment is conducted in 3 phases:?At the first stage, the subjects are supposed to learn the individual strategies. It is carried out in the following orders: predicting, scanning, structure analyzing, information searching and changing, main idea researching and inferring.?At the second stage, the subjects practice the strategies with the help of the teacher. In everyday teaching, the teacher makes it clear that what kinds of strategies are being used. At the end of each period, the subjects are required to recall what has been learnt and then draw a conclusion. Supplemental reading materials are handed out before class is over. They are required to make records of the strategies in the process of finishing their assignment.?At the third stage, the subjects employ the strategies by themselves. Special attention should be paid to the subjects' previewing. They write down their strategies they use, present their findings in class and have a heated discussion about the strategies. Finally, the teacher makes an evaluation.In the experiment, it is proved that the teaching method focusing on reading strategies can improve the subjects' reading ability and have an positive effect on the students' reading. The used steps are feasible and fruitful. The teaching method is in agreement with the constructism view. It is helpful for learners to develop their reading schema and also good for them to form their clear and logical way of thinking. The research is thought to be useful for other pursuers to do such kind of empirical study in the junior middle school. Meanwhile, the teacher improves his/her professional proficiency when he/she is conducting the experiment.