Using evidence in education with Pamela Snow (Ep 27)
May 24, 2024
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Renowned cognitive psychology professor Pamela Snow discusses evidence-based teaching methods for reading and math, emphasizing foundational skills and the societal impact of quality instruction in disadvantaged communities. The conversation explores the phonics debate in reading education, the establishment of a Science of Language and Reading Lab at a university, and the importance of evidence-based strategies in teacher education. Guests express gratitude for program accomplishments in mathematics education and discuss its growing importance compared to reading.
Effective reading instruction is a social justice issue, viewed as a crucial public health intervention by Dr. Pamela Snow.
Academic achievement and mental well-being are linked, with literacy skills serving as protective factors for positive outcomes.
Teacher preparation programs globally need to incorporate evidence-based teaching methods to enhance student learning outcomes.
Foundational skills in reading and math require systematic and explicit teaching methods to support all students effectively.
Deep dives
Pamela Snow's Advocacy for Evidence-Based Teaching
Dr. Pamela Snow, a cognitive psychology professor, advocates for evidence-based teaching methods in education, emphasizing the importance of language and literacy instruction. She co-established the Science of Language and Reading Lab, promoting scientific approaches to enhance reading proficiency in schools.
The Impact of Academic Achievement on Well-Being
Academic achievement plays a critical role in students' well-being, with strong literacy and language skills serving as significant protective factors. Dr. Pamela Snow's research highlights the link between academic success and positive mental health outcomes.
Importance of Reading Instruction for Social Justice
Dr. Pamela Snow views effective reading instruction as a social justice issue, emphasizing that school serves as a vital public health intervention. She stresses the need for evidence-based language and literacy instruction to support all students, particularly those facing socio-economic challenges.
Challenges in Reading Instruction and Teacher Training
The podcast addresses the challenges in reading instruction, emphasizing the necessity of preparing teachers in evidence-based methods through proper training. Dr. Pamela Snow advocates for a shift in teacher education programs globally to incorporate the science of learning into pre-service teacher training.
The Science of Reading and Math Instruction
The discussion highlights the parallels between effective reading and math instruction, underscoring the importance of systematic and explicit teaching methods for foundational skills. Dr. Pamela Snow advocates for applying evidence-based practices to support all students in mastering essential academic skills.
Transforming Teacher Education Towards Evidence-Based Practices
The conversation emphasizes the need for a transformation in teacher education programs worldwide to prioritize evidence-based teaching practices. Dr. Pamela Snow advocates for sustained efforts and policy changes to ensure pre-service teachers receive training in the science of learning.
Enhancing Student Learning through Evidence-Based Instruction
Dr. Pamela Snow's initiatives aim to enhance student learning outcomes by promoting evidence-based instructional practices in teacher education. The focus is on preparing teachers to effectively teach foundational skills like reading and math, empowering them to support students of all backgrounds and abilities.
Ensuring Teacher Preparedness for Effective Instruction
The podcast underscores the importance of teacher preparedness in implementing evidence-based teaching practices, particularly in the areas of language, literacy, and math instruction. Dr. Pamela Snow advocates for a comprehensive shift in teacher training programs to equip educators with the tools needed to support student learning effectively.
In Episode 27, math professor Anna Stokke talks with Dr. Pamela Snow, a cognitive psychology professor at La Trobe University’s School of Education in Australia. She is renowned for her expertise in language and literacy instruction and co-founded the Science of Language and Reading (SOLAR) Lab at La Trobe, which assists schools in adopting scientific approaches to enhance reading instruction.
Pamela emphasizes viewing school as a health intervention and effective language and reading instruction as a social justice issue. The conversation spans a range of topics, including evidence-based methods for teaching reading, the golden mean fallacy in education, and foundational skills in both reading and math. They also discuss ways to improve teacher preparation and whether programs like the one at La Trobe might start emerging in other universities. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in education, whether from a reading perspective or a math perspective.
PREVIOUS EPISODES MENTIONED
Ep 17. Do timed tests cause math anxiety? with Robin Codding https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-9qahp-14aed8a
Ep 20. Reading and math: parallels and pitfalls with Matthew Burns https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-8aj3f-1508af6
