Supporting reading literacy: A grade 6 pilot study
Loading...
Date
2012
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Venda
Abstract
This paper discusses a pilot reading-literacy development initiative in a class of Grade 6 township
learners. The purpose of the study was to pilot a model of literacy development that could be
implemented across a wider platform of schools. The pilot study, using classroom observation and
focus group interviews, was designed within a psycholinguistic perspective. Criteria for effective
reading-literacy development - access to text and the desire to engage, knowing what to do with
text, and opportunities to understand and reflect on text - were used to design the study, and as a
lens for analysis. The paper focuses on case studies as illustrative examples of the ways in which
the initiative supported access to texts, reading-literacy confidence, and the development of
interpretive and reflective reading skills. The study suggests that a conducive literacy environment,
including access to texts, knowing what to do with texts, and opportunities to understand and
reflect on text - as well as the support of teachers who know how to facilitate literacy - has the
potential to achieve literacy gains for even seriously compromised learners.
Description
Keywords
Psycholinguistics, Literacy, Reading, Comprehension, Grade 6, Teacher development
Citation
Cornelissen, R. & McMillan, W. (2012). Supporting reading literacy: A grade 6 pilot study. Journal of Educational Studies, 11(1): 121-133