The Literacy View Background Knowledge: Fact vs Fiction What Every Teacher Needs to Know
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Nov 18, 2025 
Dr. Timothy Shanahan, a distinguished professor of literacy and influential researcher, shares crucial insights on background knowledge in reading. He clarifies misconceptions surrounding the term 'reader knowledge' and emphasizes how it aids comprehension by reducing cognitive load. Shanahan warns that prior knowledge can sometimes mislead readers. He advocates for robust social studies and science instruction and highlights the importance of intentional text selection. Throughout the conversation, he combines practical teaching strategies with research-backed insights for effective literacy instruction.
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Background Knowledge Shapes Comprehension
- Background (reader) knowledge reduces cognitive load and supports inference-making when reading.
- It can also mislead readers when prior beliefs override text meaning.
Be Skeptical Of Program Claims
- Don’t assume knowledge-building curricula are proven superior; the evidence base is limited.
- Evaluate claims critically and look for rigorous research before adopting programs.
Curricula Differ By Knowledge Goals
- Knowledge-building programs vary: more science/social studies texts and greater content coherence.
- What counts as 'important' knowledge is a values judgment and affects outcomes.
