Talking Teaching Reading, Reasoning, and AI: A New Era in Education
Dec 16, 2025
Dr. Jennifer Buckingham, an academic researcher and literacy advocate, dives into the essential role of reading in education. She highlights why reading is more than just decoding—it's crucial for comprehension and lifelong learning. The conversation touches on the evolution of reading instruction in Australia, emphasizing systematic phonics and evidence-based practices. Buckingham also discusses the challenges of secondary literacy, the impact of screen reading on comprehension, and the potential of AI in education. Her passion for fostering a love of reading and building teacher knowledge shines through.
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Purpose Shapes Reading Instruction
- Reading's purpose shapes what and how children should read, not just whether they can decode words.
- Jennifer Buckingham urges focus on whether children will keep reading and how texts form them as thinkers.
Phonics Is A Core Component
- Systematic, explicit phonics teaches the code so children can read almost any word they encounter.
- Buckingham stresses phonics alongside vocabulary, fluency and comprehension as complementary components.
Canberra-Goulburn Proof Of Concept
- Canberra-Goulburn Catholic Education implemented evidence-based early reading programs and heavy professional learning.
- That local proof of concept helped demonstrate that systematic instruction works in practice.