Exploring Disability Using Multimedia and the B-D-A Reading Strategy

Overview

From Theory to Practice

OVERVIEW

In this lesson, students apply the B-D-A (before-during-after) reading comprehension strategy as they explore varied aspects of disability by investigating rich, interactive multimedia resources. “Beyond Affliction: The Disability History Project” is a National Public Radio documentary series about the shared experience of people with disabilities and their families since the beginning of the 19th century. The companion website, which features audio transcripts, text transcripts, images, timelines, primary source documents, interviews, and other resources, provides the main source of information for the students’ literacy activities. Students will use what they learn to create a visual presentation and answer comprehension questions.

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FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE

Laverick, C. (2002). B-D-A strategy: Reinventing the wheel can be a good thing. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 46(2), 144–147.

• High school students need guidance in effective reading comprehension strategies when working in varied content areas.
  
  
• Prereading, during reading, and postreading comprehension monitoring strategies are an essential component of reading instruction that should be explicitly taught.
  
  
• Using the B-D-A (before-during-after) comprehension strategy while reading provides students with a structure to take notes, summarize, and state main ideas that may facilitate comprehension.

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