What is a recommended strategy for teaching students how to paraphrase?

Modeling the paraphrasing process is an effective strategy for teaching students how to paraphrase because it provides a clear and structured example of how to take a piece of text and express its ideas in a new way. When educators demonstrate the steps involved in paraphrasing, such as identifying the main ideas, rephrasing them in simpler language, and ensuring that the original meaning is preserved, students gain a deeper understanding of the concept. This hands-on approach allows learners to see a practical application of paraphrasing and encourages them to practice the skill themselves, building their confidence and competence in processing information.

Through modeling, teachers can also show the nuances involved in paraphrasing, such as varying vocabulary and sentence structure, which helps prevent plagiarism and fosters original thought. Additionally, this strategy often opens up discussions about synonyms, sentence variety, and the importance of context, all of which are essential components of effective paraphrasing. Thus, modeling the paraphrasing process not only teaches a crucial skill but also actively engages students in their learning.