1. Major Theories of Literacy Learning and Language Development
Kenneth Kunz,
Ed.M. Rutgers University
Reading Specialization

2. Skinner’s Learning Theory
What is Behaviorism?
Learning consists of the acquisition of new behaviors.
Stimulus vs. Response
Skinner’s Learning Theory
Operant conditioning
Conditioning stimulus-response (S-R) associations through reinforcement
Shaping behavior through selective reinforcement

3. Cognitivism Jean Piaget- 1896-1980 Assimilation & Accommodations
Humans are active participants in their own learning rather than passive participants.
Jean Piaget
Assimilation & Accommodations

4. Social-Constructivism
We learn from and with others (socially)
L.S. Vygotsky-studied the importance of social factors in cognitive development
Vygotsky
( )

5. The Zone of Proximal Development
"the distance between a child's actual developmental level as determined by independent problem solving and the higher level of potential development as determined through problem solving under adult guidance or in collaboration with more capable peers" (Vygotsky)

6. Scaffolding David Wood (based on Bruner’s Theory)
The support and guidance provided by an adult or more capable peer
Goals: The learner should not succeed too easily, nor fail too often

7. Cognitive Behavior Approach
Students are aware of their learning and set goals and understand desired behaviors
Self-monitoring occurs as students track their progress
Often involves checklists, behavior-modifications, etc.

8. Reader Response Theory
Transactional Approach: The reader actively constructs meaning from the text and makes connections to his or her own life.
Rosenblatt (1978)
Classroom uses: Reader’s Response
Journals, Post-It Notes, etc.

9. Reflections on Literacy Research: The Decades of the 1970’s, 1980’s, & 1990’s
50’s and 60’s
Emphasis on Phonics, Skills, Little meaning or comprehension work until third grade.
Standardized testing
Direct and Behaviorist Instruction
Experimental and Control Group Research

10. 1970’s
-Dolores Durkin-Reading Comprehension (Meaning and Understanding) -Kenneth Goodman-Meaning from Print -Marie Clay-Cognitive Processing -Louise Rosenblatt-Transactional (Reader’s Response Theory) Research moves toward observable and describable case studies and analysis of conversations.

11. 1980’s
Socio-Cultural Concerns: What different languages, cultures, families, environments, and socio-economic status (SES) issues have to do with reading success? Whole Language Approach: Children’s Interests are Important (Developing a Love for Reading (Marie Clay, Kenneth & Yetta Goodman) Donald Graves: Writing Process Approach

12. Where does that leave us now?
Marilyn Adams: Skill Development & Phonics
Marie Clay: Strong influence on systematic, intensive instruction
Where does that leave us now?

13. 2000 to Present More direct instruction More skill-based
Balanced Literacy
More direct instruction
More skill-based
More accountability
Scientific-based reading research (SBRR)
Why does the pendulum swing so much?