An Research On Constructivist-based Instructional Strategies Of English Reading In Senior High School

The teaching of reading is one of the most important parts in senior high schools and the main channel to develop students’reading ability as well as their language learning competence and linguistic competence. It is not only the major channel of learning English for the students, but also the essential procedure to train the students’ reading ability. The quality of English reading teaching determines the quality of English teaching in some ways, and determines the level of students’ English learning. This thesis tries to discuss the main views of constructivist learning theory and explore how to apply it to the teaching of English reading in senior high schools.To start with, the thesis analyzes the present condition of the teaching of English reading in senior high schools and the necessity of innovation.After reviewing its origins and developments, the author gives an exhaustive introduction of constructivist learning theory. The theory holds the view that learning is not the passive acceptance of knowledge. It’s all active process in which learners construct their own meaning. Situation, cooperation, conversation and meaning construction are the four elements in the constructivist learning settings. The constructivist approach changes the focus of the classroom from teacher-centeredness to student-centeredness, which requires teachers to give up their role as a sole information-dispenser and assist the students in developing new insights. Then, the author discusses the constructivist teaching models.And then, the thesis explores the application of constructivist learning theory in the teaching of English reading. According to the constructivist theory, the effective strategies of improving high school English reading teaching are proposed. For example, creative use of textbooks, stimulate interest in reading; Make sure of three dimensional objects, pay attention to emotional attitude; Establishment situation, activate background knowledge; Active exploration, cooperation study and proper use of multimedia, etc.Finally, the author draws the conclusion that it promotes the teaching of English reading greatly employing a constructivist teaching approach.