What strategy is NOT effective for students struggling with word decoding?

The strategy of memorization of word lists without context is not effective for students struggling with word decoding because it does not engage the fundamental skills necessary for understanding how words are constructed and pronounced. Word decoding relies heavily on the ability to analyze phonemes (the smallest units of sound) and their corresponding graphemes (the letters that represent those sounds).

When students memorize words out of context, they may learn to recognize the words visually but often lack the ability to apply phonetic skills to decode new or unfamiliar words. This approach does not encourage the development of critical reading strategies such as sounding out words or recognizing patterns, which are key components of learning to read effectively.

In contrast, strategies like phonemic awareness training focus on teaching the sounds that make up words, helping students improve their ability to decode. Contextual guessing using picture clues assists students in making educated guesses about a word's meaning based on surrounding images, and guided reading instruction presents texts at the appropriate level while supporting comprehension and fluency, all of which are crucial for developing proficient reading skills in individuals with dyslexia.