Theories, Models, and Strategies By Dr. Renee Rubin Spring 2011 By Dr. Renee Rubin Spring 2011

Theories, Models, and Strategies Theories are general perspectives about how people learn Models explain how the theories are applied to teaching and learning Strategies are used in daily literacy instruction and learning

Theories Two theories that have most impacted reading are: –Behaviorism –Constructivism

Theory Behaviorism –Information is transmitted from a more knowledgeable source to a less knowledgeable source –Reading is understanding the message of the author –There is one correct interpretation of the text

Model Behaviorism –Teacher plans and directs instruction Instruction should be broken into small parts Instruction should be sequenced from easiest to hardest Easier material should be mastered before moving on to more difficult material Teacher sets behavioral objectives that are observable and measurable

Model Behaviorism –The student receives information from the teacher –The students accurately apply the reading and writing skills taught by the teacher

Strategies Behaviorism –Direct explanation –Modeling –Guided practice –Feedback –Application

Strategies Examples of strategies used with behaviorism –Blending, segmenting, and manipulating sounds in language (phonological awareness) –Teaching letter-sound relationships in isolation (explicit instruction of phonics) –Spelling Making words Word walls Flash cards

Assessment Behaviorism –Assessments should be objective –Students should be assessed on skills needed for reading, such as phonics, fluency, and use of comprehension strategies –Students should be assessed on skills needed for writing, such as grammar and spelling

Theory Constructivism –Learning is construction of knowledge based on new information combined with existing knowledge, culture, and experience –Each person understands a text differently –Even the same person will understand a text differently at different points in time

Model Constructivism –Reading is taught through whole texts –Writing is taught through writing process –Reading and writing are best learned through doing the real thing rather than working on specific skills or strategies

Model Constructivism –The student is responsible for his/her own learning –The student chooses most text to read and most topics for writing –Social-constructivism emphasizes the importance of interaction with peers too

Strategies The following are examples of strategies used by constructivists –Journal writing –Student-designed projects –Writing workshop Teacher-student conferencing –Readers’ workshop

Strategies The following are examples of strategies used by constructivists –Reader response –Self-selected silent reading –Literature circles –Cooperative learning Peer editing

Assessment Constructivism –Learning is often unobservable to someone else –Reading should be assessed through the reading and interpretation of real, complete texts –Writing should be assessed using rubrics –Miscue analysis is used to understand what cueing systems are being used effectively

Balance Interactive/Balanced/Eclectic Instruction –Based on the belief that behaviorism and constructivism each have strengths and weaknesses –The exact composition of instruction will vary depending on learner needs

Strengths and Weaknesses Strengths of behaviorism –Teacher can make sure that certain content is covered –Students have specific tasks to complete Weaknesses of behaviorism –Material may be covered but not learned –Can be boring

Strengths and Weaknesses Strengths of constructivism –Motivating for most students –Encourages more higher level thinking Weaknesses of constructivism –Students may not learn important skills, such as spelling or grammar –Students need to be taught how to work without as much teacher direction