New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

How can teachers help students synthesize information while reading?

1. Encouraging them to summarize at the end

2. Modeling their thinking process and tracking changes in understanding

3. Asking them to read silently and take no notes

4. Forbidding discussion of ideas from other texts

The correct answer is: Modeling their thinking process and tracking changes in understanding

Teachers can help students synthesize information while reading by modeling their thinking process and tracking changes in understanding. This approach allows teachers to demonstrate how to integrate new information with prior knowledge, fostering a deeper understanding of the material. By articulating their thought process, teachers provide a tangible example of how to analyze and combine different ideas. This not only helps students see the connections between concepts but also encourages them to be reflective learners. When students observe their teacher thinking aloud, they can better grasp how to navigate complex information and recognize when their understanding shifts. This active engagement promotes critical thinking and supports students in developing their synthesis skills, which are essential for comprehending and applying what they read across various contexts. Other strategies, such as summarizing at the end, may reinforce understanding, but they do not engage the synthesis process as effectively as modeling and reflecting on the thinking process do.