What explanation should the ESL teacher give regarding a student's struggle with reading comprehension?

A student's struggle with reading comprehension can often stem from their previous learning experiences and educational background. In this case, focusing on rote memorization in prior schooling could significantly limit a student's ability to engage with text in a more analytical and interpretive manner. Rote memorization often emphasizes the recall of facts and figures without fostering a deeper understanding of the material or the development of critical thinking skills.

When students come into an ESL setting with a background that emphasizes memorization, they may not be equipped with the strategies necessary to infer meaning, make connections, or analyze the text's deeper themes. These skills are essential for reading comprehension, especially when dealing with complex texts, which require a student to interact with the material, ask questions, and relate the content to their own experiences.

By understanding that a student's previous focus on rote memorization has shaped their approach to reading, an ESL teacher can tailor instruction to help students develop more effective reading strategies. This might include integrating more interactive reading activities, promoting discussion about the text, and teaching skills like summarizing, predicting, and questioning to improve comprehension.