High intermediate learners (Educational Functional Levels (EFL) 4) should be exposed to a variety of comprehension strategies/study skills that are focused on building mental models of text, complex reasoning, and perspective-taking. These skills need to be (1) deployed in digital, disciplinary, and multisource/multi-modal reading contexts, (2) driven by a purpose and goal for reading, and (3) mediated by prior knowledge and interest. However, when confronted with comprehension tasks, even Level 4 learners may have foundational reading skill gaps that are masked by the learners’ abilities to compensate with knowledge or inference ability. Addressing these needs requires assessment to identify the specific learning gaps and knowledge of effective instructional practices and techniques. It also requires that educators have a sense of the different subpopulations of adults who most typically present with this level of reading ability.
On April 8, 2021, CaptiVoice hosted Dr. John Sabatini’s presentation titled “Identifying, assessing, and instructing adult learners of Educational Functional Levels (EFL) 4.” From this presentation, you can learn about identifying learners at EF level, how different subpopulations might present, as well as specific exercises, resources, and instructional tips for teaching adult learners at level three.
One resource you can access after this webinar is SARA, currently named the ETS Reading Diagnostic on CaptiVoice. SARA is a reading assessment featuring six subtests to follow your students’ fundamental reading skills and their progress over time.