Which technique is most likely to enhance reading skills in struggling students?

Guided reading is particularly effective for enhancing reading skills in struggling students because it provides targeted instruction tailored to their individual needs. In a guided reading setting, a teacher works with a small group of students who are at a similar reading level, utilizing texts that are carefully chosen to match their developmental stage. This personalized approach allows for direct engagement with the text, facilitating comprehension and vocabulary development.

During guided reading sessions, the teacher can model reading strategies, ask critical thinking questions, and provide immediate feedback, all of which contribute to building the students' confidence and skills. Additionally, by encouraging interaction and discussion, students learn to articulate their thoughts about the text and deepen their understanding.

In contrast, free reading without support may not adequately address the specific challenges faced by struggling readers, as they might lack the guidance needed to navigate texts independently. Similarly, peer assessment can offer benefits, but it might not provide the structured support that struggling students require. Lastly, while memorization has its place, it does not promote a deep understanding of reading skills, which involves comprehension and analytical thinking rather than rote learning.