Which educational principle encourages the use of different reading strategies to improve comprehension?

The whole language approach is based on the idea that reading should be taught in a way that integrates various reading strategies to enhance comprehension and appreciation of text. This methodology emphasizes understanding the meaning of text through context, along with the connections between reading and other aspects of language and literacy, such as writing and speaking. It recognizes that comprehension is nuanced and that learners benefit from using multiple strategies—like prediction, context clues, and summarization—rather than relying solely on phonics or rote memorization of words. This holistic perspective supports the idea that reading is a complex process influenced by a learner's experiences and the interaction with a variety of text genres.

The other options represent different important aspects of literacy education but do not encapsulate this broad range of strategies as effectively as the whole language approach. Phonics awareness focuses specifically on the relationship between sounds and letters, reading fluency concerns the ability to read with speed and accuracy, and differentiated instruction pertains to tailoring teaching methods to accommodate diverse learning needs. Each of these plays a vital role in literacy education, but it is the whole language approach that specifically encourages the use of various reading strategies for improved comprehension.