ERRR #096. Jennifer Buckingham on Literacy Instruction & Policy in the UK, Ireland & Aus
Nov 7, 2024
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Jennifer Buckingham, Executive Director of the Centre of Educational Studies and Evaluation, bridges research and practice to combat illiteracy. She discusses the stark differences in literacy instruction and policies across the UK, Ireland, and Australia. Key topics include how these frameworks impact international assessments like PISA and PIRLS and the role of cultural context in shaping educational outcomes. Buckingham also emphasizes the necessity of evidence-based practices, effective teacher training, and systemic assessments to support struggling students.
Dr. Jennifer Buckingham emphasizes the impact of policy and instructional differences on literacy outcomes across the UK, Ireland, and Australia.
The cultural and demographic contexts significantly influence literacy achievements, highlighting the importance of tailored educational strategies for diverse student populations.
Initial teacher education quality is a crucial factor in literacy instruction, with Ireland's rigorous model presenting a contrast to Australia's varied program standards.
Deep dives
Acknowledgment of Traditional Lands
The podcast opens by acknowledging the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri, Woiwurrung, and Boonwurrung peoples, emphasizing respect for Elders and the significance of sovereignty, which was never ceded. It underlines the ongoing processes of colonization and dispossession, reminding listeners of the importance of cultural awareness in educational dialogues. This acknowledgment serves as a foundation for discussing education within the context of historical injustices. It sets a respectful tone for conversations around educational practices and reforms.
Introducing the Explicit Mathematics Program
The Explicit Mathematics Program (EMP) is presented as a comprehensive curriculum designed for foundation to year two students, developed by leading mathematical educators in Australia. The EMP encompasses essential components such as daily reviews, teacher lesson plans, student independent practice, and assessment tools, making it fully equipped for math instruction. It aims to align with every curriculum used across Australia, showcasing its versatility and commitment to effective teaching. The emphasis on science-based learning principles highlights the program's innovative approach to early mathematics education.
Catalyst Project for Educational Improvement
The Catalyst project is introduced as an evidence-based initiative by Catholic education in the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn, aimed at enhancing literacy and learning in over a thousand classrooms. It focuses on bridging the gap between the science of reading and practical classroom applications, providing structured support for teachers. By leveraging local and international expertise, Catalyst seeks to transform educational outcomes and foster professional development. This collaborative effort represents a commitment to continuous improvement in teaching and education systems.
Research Insights on Reading Instruction
Dr. Jennifer Buckingham shares insights from her research on literacy instruction and policy, particularly her exploration of effective teaching strategies across different countries. She emphasizes the need to understand the nuances behind international assessments, such as PISA and PEARLS, which reveal trends in literacy achievement. Buckingham highlights Ireland and Northern Ireland as high performers, prompting questions about their approaches to reading instruction. Her insights encourage educators to critically assess their own systems and practices in light of successful models observed abroad.
Understanding Cultural and Demographic Influences
Cultural and demographic factors significantly affect student literacy outcomes, as explored by Buckingham in her research. For instance, variations in languages spoken at home, cultural capital, and the historical context of education systems lead to different literacy achievements in countries like Australia, Wales, and Ireland. The interplay between these elements highlights the importance of tailored educational strategies that consider the unique demographic contexts of students. Recognizing these influences enables educators and policymakers to develop more effective interventions aimed at closing achievement gaps.
The Importance of Initial Teacher Education
Initial teacher education (ITE) is underscored as a crucial determinant of reading instruction quality and student success. Buckingham discusses how Ireland's rigorous and competitive ITE model fosters a highly qualified teaching workforce. In contrast, Australia faces challenges regarding its diverse ITE landscape, with varying program quality and completion rates. By focusing on improving ITE programs, there is potential for enhanced teaching practices and better educational outcomes for students.
In this episode, Dr. Jennifer Buckingham describes key instructional and policy differences between the UK, Ireland, and Australia, and how these contribute to differing literacy levels and achievement on international tests such as PISA and PIRLS.
Jen and Ollie discuss a multitude of factors including curriculum, instruction, initial teacher education, assessment, school inspections, as well as the all important culture and demographics.
Full show notes at https://www.ollielovell.com/jenbuckingham/
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