What instructional approach helps promote comprehension of a novel's themes and character motivations?

Engaging in collaborative group discussions is an effective instructional approach to promote comprehension of a novel's themes and character motivations. Such discussions allow students to share diverse perspectives and insights, deepening their understanding of the text. When students talk about characters’ actions, motivations, and the overarching themes, they have the opportunity to articulate their thoughts, ask questions, and challenge each other's interpretations. This interactive process can lead to a richer and more nuanced understanding of the novel as students explore the complexities of characters and the implications of various themes together.

In contrast, simply reading aloud with emphasis on tempo might help with fluency and pronunciation but does not necessarily encourage a deeper analysis of what the characters are going through or the themes being presented. Providing a glossary of difficult terms can assist with vocabulary understanding but does not engage students in critical thinking about the text. Listening to a recording of the novel may aid in comprehension of the story but typically lacks the interactive and analytical benefits that discussions provide. Therefore, collaborative group discussions stand out as the most effective strategy for enhancing comprehension of a novel's themes and characters.