2025 Teacher Inquiry - Reading Comprehension

 This year, my teaching inquiry focuses on improving reading comprehension for my Year 7 and 8 students. After analysing Term 1 PAT Reading data and observing classroom work, it became clear that many students are able to read the words on a page but struggle to understand deeper meaning.

Two key areas stood out: vocabulary and inference. Many students frequently ask for the meaning of common words, hesitate to use new vocabulary in their writing, and give mostly literal responses when questions require deeper thinking. They also find it challenging to explain character motivation, author purpose, or connect ideas across a text.

My inquiry question is:
How can teaching new words and inference skills accelerate my Year 7/8 students' reading comprehension progress?

To address this, I’ll be trialling a few key strategies:

• Using the Frayer Model to explicitly teach vocabulary

• Modelling “think-alouds” to show how to make inferences

• Using small group reciprocal reading and vocabulary games

• Recording group sessions with Vosaic to reflect on and refine my practice

I’ll measure progress through vocab and inference quizzes, writing samples, and pre- and post-reading assessments. I’m also looking into what kinds of texts and reading approaches students engage with best.

I’m looking forward to seeing how these strategies support my learners and what I can adjust along the way to meet their needs more effectively.

Teacher Inquiry - 2025

**I have since changed my Teacher Inquiry for 2025.

Will the use of mathematical terminology accelerate student learning in PR1ME Maths?

This year, my teacher inquiry focuses on whether using mathematical terminology effectively can accelerate student learning, especially in PR1ME Maths.

As we implement PR1ME Maths for the first time, I’ve observed that many students struggle not just with the maths itself, but with understanding the language used in the problems. Without a strong grasp of mathematical terms, students find it harder to apply their knowledge and solve problems confidently.

Through this inquiry, I aim to explore how explicitly teaching and reinforcing maths vocabulary can support students in developing a deeper understanding and improving their problem-solving skills.  

Main reasons I chose this as my inquiry : 

• PR1ME Maths is a new programme in my class and school. I feel that ensuring the students understand its language, is crucial for success.
• Strong mathematical vocabulary supports deeper comprehension which will then allow for more accurate problem-solving.
• Approximately 27% of my students have english as their second language. Addressing language barriers in maths can help students develop greater confidence and independence in their learning.