Return-Path: <nifl-fobasics@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with SMTP id iB4DATF17073; Sat, 4 Dec 2004 08:10:29 -0500 (EST) Date: Sat, 4 Dec 2004 08:10:29 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <BAY4-F149161AC83C615CB515B65C5B20@phx.gbl> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-fobasics@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-fobasics@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-fobasics@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: "George demetrion" <gdemetrion@msn.com> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-fobasics@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-FOBASICS:1229] balanced approach to reading instruction X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed Status: O Content-Length: 1429 Lines: 28 Folks, Anne's observation near the end of her recent message (quoted at the end of mine) is one in which I clearly share, and I assume, shared by the vast majority of adult literacy educators. Where differences arise is in the how and the extent to which the different components interact with different sets of new readers, from the very basic to those moving toward the pre-GED level. With different emphases and focus, enriching content and basic skills is needed and desired at all of the levels; that is, as long as we're working with adults (and children, too, for that matter) and as long as the basic skills of these adults is anything short of independent fluent mastery of print-based texts they encounter or would like to be able to read and understand. On the balanced, or integrated approach, for my money, Purcell-Gates' 19997 FOB article, There's Reading...and There's Reading, is the most concise, theoretically sophisticated statement on the topic that I've read as a general set of principles. "Those who lack basic knowledge and vocabulary certainly need to experience text which enriches their knowledge, BUT ALSO include basic decoding skills development so they can become more independent learners. Addressing "philosophy" is fine and a critical component for some learners. But don't deprive them of instruction which builds their ability to become more functionally literate."
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