Science of Reading: The Podcast

S9 E4: Comprehension is not a skill, with Hugh Catts, Ph.D.

13 snips
Oct 16, 2024
Hugh Catts, Ph.D., a professor at Florida State University specializing in language sciences and language disorders, dives into the complexities of comprehension. He argues that comprehension isn't just a reading skill but a multifaceted condition shaped by prior knowledge and intention. With personal ties to dyslexia, he offers insights on the significance of background knowledge and practical strategies to enhance student understanding. Hugh emphasizes the importance of coherent text and the interplay of vocabulary for better comprehension.
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ANECDOTE

Personal Dyslexia Connection

  • Hugh Catts discovered his personal connection to dyslexia through family experience and early reading struggles.
  • This motivated him to shift his career focus to studying dyslexia and language disorders.
INSIGHT

Rethinking Comprehension

  • Comprehension is not simply a component of reading but a condition shaped over time and by purpose.
  • Vocabulary and comprehension are intertwined yet distinct from skills like phonics and fluency.
INSIGHT

Comprehension is Individualized

  • Comprehension varies by what a reader brings to the text and their purpose for reading.
  • Different readers may understand the same text differently based on prior knowledge and motivation.
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