Building Comprehension and Retention to Enhance Academic Achievement

Assignment Brief

Assessment 2 - Individual report (1500 words maximum)

Read the following article and do further research to answer the questions that follow

The concept of comprehension and retention

Reading comprehension skill is often assumed by sociology instructors, yet many college students seem to have marginal reading comprehension skills, which may explain why less than half of them are actually doing the reading.  Sanctions that force students to either read or to pay a price are based on a rational choice model of behaviour—a perspective that many students seem to bring with them.  However, deep reading—reading for long-term retention of the material and for comprehension at a level that can be perspective-transforming—involves constructing meaning as one reads. Students need help developing reading strategies that enhance this process. 

Reading skills span a spectrum from the lower-order skills of remembering (retention) and understanding (comprehension) to higher-order skills of analysing and evaluating. This is not to say that retention and comprehension are unimportant. Rather, they are necessary in becoming a critical reader and thinker. After all, if you do not comprehend a text, how can you apply the information in your own research or profession? To develop your skills then, you should build a strong foundation in reading retention and comprehension.

Excerpts adopted from: Roberts, J. C. and Roberts, K. (2008) Deep Reading, Cost/Benefit, and the Construction of Meaning: Enhancing Reading Comprehension and Deep Learning in Sociology Courses. Teaching Sociology, Vol. 36 (2) pp. 125-140

1. Discuss the role of building comprehension and retention in improving quality of learning and increase academic achievement of students
2. Evaluate the obstacles pertaining to building comprehension and retention
3. Draw conclusions based on these key points.

You are advised to support your discussion with at least Ten sources published during the last ten years.

This assessment addresses the following learning outcomes:

• LO2: Identify techniques for building comprehension and retention

• LO4: Use of library information and media services

Sample Answer

Building Comprehension and Retention to Enhance Academic Achievement

Introduction

Comprehension and retention are foundational to effective learning and academic success. While reading skills are often assumed, research shows that many students struggle to retain and understand material deeply, limiting their ability to apply knowledge critically (Roberts & Roberts, 2008). Developing strategies to enhance comprehension and retention is therefore crucial for improving academic performance and fostering lifelong learning. This report examines the role of comprehension and retention in learning, evaluates obstacles to building these skills, and provides recommendations based on contemporary research.

The Role of Comprehension and Retention in Learning

Reading comprehension and retention form the bedrock of effective learning. Comprehension involves understanding the meaning of text, interpreting information, and integrating it with existing knowledge. Retention refers to the ability to remember information over time, facilitating the application of knowledge in assessments and professional contexts (McNamara et al., 2017). Together, these skills allow students to progress from basic understanding to higher-order thinking, including analysis, evaluation, and synthesis.

Deep reading practices, which involve constructing meaning actively during reading, are linked to higher academic achievement. Students who engage in reflective reading strategies, such as annotating, summarising, and questioning, demonstrate better retention and are more capable of applying concepts critically (Afflerbach et al., 2018). Additionally, comprehension and retention are interdependent; without comprehension, retention is superficial, and without retention, the ability to build cumulative knowledge is compromised.

Furthermore, strong reading comprehension and retention support critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills. These skills are essential not only in coursework but also in professional practice, enabling students to interpret evidence, evaluate arguments, and make informed decisions (Snow, 2019). In essence, improving comprehension and retention directly impacts the quality of learning and the academic achievement of students.

Techniques for Building Comprehension and Retention

Numerous strategies can enhance reading comprehension and retention. Cognitive strategies such as active reading, note-taking, and summarisation help students engage with text more deeply (Dunlosky et al., 2013). Active reading encourages readers to ask questions, make predictions, and relate material to prior knowledge, promoting better understanding and memory.

Metacognitive strategies also play a crucial role. Teaching students to monitor their comprehension and identify areas of confusion allows for more effective self-regulation during reading (Veenman et al., 2014). Strategies include self-testing, summarising passages in one’s own words, and reflecting on key points after reading.

In addition, the use of multimedia and digital tools can support comprehension and retention. Visual aids, interactive modules, and educational videos complement textual information, catering to diverse learning styles and enhancing memory consolidation (Mayer, 2017). Library resources and media services, such as academic journals, e-books, and citation management tools, also provide access to a wide range of materials that reinforce comprehension through repeated exposure and critical engagement (Head & Eisenberg, 2016).

Collaborative learning approaches, such as peer discussions and study groups, further improve retention and comprehension. Explaining concepts to others, debating interpretations, and collectively summarising content deepens understanding and encourages the construction of meaning (Prince, 2017).

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