READING
Programmes that work
What did make a difference was the Every Child a Reader initiative. However, a comprehensive model used in about
use of phonetically focused programmes the research shows that it does not 100 primary schools in England. Another
and practices that train teachers to focus work as well as tutoring methods with a is Read 180, which combines ICT with
on building pupils’ motivations, active stronger focus on phonics. phonetic materials, co-operative learning,
interactions, engagement, and thinking skills.
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One-to-one tutoring by teaching and effective teaching methods to help
For example: assistants. While the most effective struggling students in secondary schools. A
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Co-operative learning methods in which tutoring methods use teachers as tutors, programme called My Reading Coach also
children work in pairs or groups of four teaching assistants can also get very good combines ICT with phonics and effective
to tutor each other in phonics skills, help results. Volunteers can also be effective teaching practices.
each other learn study skills, and take tutors.
turns reading to each other;
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Small-group remediation works much Conclusion
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Metacognitive strategy instruction, at less well than one-to-one tutoring. Our review concluded what we learned in
Key Stage 2 and above, in which pupils Remedial programmes in which a our review is that improving reading is not
are taught methods for understanding teacher works with a group of three to six just a matter of phonics, better books or
what they read, such as predicting what pupils can be effective, but these methods computers. Instead, reading reform means
will happen next, summarising, making tend to be much less effective than investing in teachers, giving them effective
graphic organisers to represent key ideas, one-to-one. tools and strategies to ensure that every
and so on; and
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Struggling readers benefi t from effective child gets a fi rm phonetic base as well as
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Classroom management and motivation classroom programmes. The same strategies to comprehend all sorts of texts,
programmes, which train and coach programmes that were most effective with to build fl uency, to develop vocabulary and,
teachers in methods of organising pupils in general were especially effective most importantly, to love to read.
classrooms, effectively engaging all with struggling readers. This is especially For more information on our reviews,
pupils, using time effectively and having a true of co-operative learning methods visit the Best Evidence Encyclopaedia at
rapid pace of teaching. such as Peer-Assisted Learning Strategies www.bestevidence.org.uk.
For struggling readers, we found that phonics (PALS) and Cooperative Integrated
was particularly important, but again, it was Reading and Composition (CIRC). About the author
not suffi cient by itself. Here is what works Combined, comprehensive programmes Robert Slavin is Director of the Institute
best: work best. For all pupils, the most effective for Effective Education at the University of
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Phonics-focused, one-to-one tutoring. (and extensively evaluated) approaches York and the Center for Data-Driven Reform
Tutoring programmes that focus on were programmes that combine phonics, in Education at Johns Hopkins University in
teaching struggling readers to unlock the one-to-one tutoring for struggling readers, the US. He is also the driving force behind
reading code have substantial effects on co-operative learning, and effective the US-based Success for All Foundation, a
learning. Reading Recovery is a popular classroom management and motivation restructuring programme that helps schools
New Zealand programme expanding methods. Among programmes available to identify and implement strategies to meet
rapidly in England under the Government’s in the UK, one example is Success for All, the needs of all learners.
spring 2009 Better: Evidence-based Education 5
Better Spr09 pp04-05 WhatWorks.indd 5 20/4/09 09:14:33
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