Join Adrea Truckenmiller, Ph.D., an Associate Professor at Michigan State University and expert in academic language, as she unpacks the complex world of academic language. Discover the difference between informational and narrative text structures and the significance of morphological complexity. Adrea shares effective strategies for explicit instruction, practical examples for classroom implementation, and innovative assessment tools like the Writing Architect. Her passion for special education shines through as she encourages educators to engage in transforming literacy instruction.
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Adrea Truckenmiller's Literacy Path
Adrea Truckenmiller was inspired by her brother's struggle with reading and her experience in grad school studying motivation that led her to literacy research.
A committee member asked her what she taught, prompting her to focus on explicit instruction in writing and reading.
insights INSIGHT
Academic Language Defined
Academic language differs from colloquial speech and is discipline-specific with a high density of precise vocabulary.
Learning academic language requires intentional teaching since incidental exposure is often limited.
insights INSIGHT
Morphological Complexity Matters
Morphological complexity matters for academic vocabulary, as words like photosynthesis contain multiple morphemes with layered meanings.
Teaching morphemes supports generative vocabulary beyond single words.
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Making the Writing Process Work: Strategies for Composition and Self-Regulation
Making the Writing Process Work: Strategies for Composition and Self-Regulation
Strategies for Composition and Self-Regulation
Karen Harris
In "Making the Writing Process Work," Karen Harris presents a comprehensive approach to teaching writing that emphasizes self-regulation. The book details strategies to help students manage their writing process effectively, from planning and drafting to revising and editing. It provides practical tools and techniques for teachers to implement in the classroom, fostering student independence and ownership of their writing. The focus on self-regulation empowers students to become more confident and successful writers. The book's practical approach and clear explanations make it a valuable resource for educators at all levels. It emphasizes the importance of metacognitive awareness and strategic planning in the writing process.
In this episode of Science of Reading: The Podcast, Susan Lambert is joined by Adrea Truckenmiller, Ph.D., associate professor of special education and school psychology at Michigan State University. Their conversation starts with defining academic language and breaking it down on the level of the word, the sentence, and full text. Adrea then touches on topics such as informational vs. narrative text structure, morphological complexity, and effective writing assessment. She also gives advice on how to implement explicit instruction on informational text and academic language, and details a few examples of what it can look like in the classroom. Adrea ends by discussing her passion for special education and encouraging educators to get involved.
“ Academic language is really a new language for everyone to learn.” —Adrea Truckenmiller, Ph.D.
"When we're thinking about teaching academic vocabulary, it's not just one time around. Sometimes we have to layer that instruction for deeper and deeper and deeper meaning.” —Susan Lambert
Episode timestamps* 02:00 Introduction: Who is Adrea Truckenmiller? 07:00 Defining academic language 11:00 Differences in academic language at different levels: word, sentence, text. 12:00 Word level: morphological complexity 17:00 Sentence level 18:00 Connectives 21:00 Text level: Informational text structure vs narrative text structure 24:00 Reading research for middle schoolers 26:00 Writing assessment structure for middle school 32:00 What does this type of instruction look like in the classroom? 34:00 Importance of grades 4 & 5 to the development of informational reading and writing skills 35:00 Advice for teachers on teaching information reading and writing 39:00 Get involved in special education *Timestamps are approximate
Science of Reading: The Podcast