Science of Reading: The Podcast

Sharon Vaughn, a leading researcher and Executive Director at the Meadow Center for Preventing Educational Risk, joins expert Hugh Catts from Florida State University to dive deep into the complexities of reading comprehension. They discuss reframing comprehension not just as a skill but as a multifaceted outcome influenced by vocabulary and background knowledge. The conversation emphasizes the importance of asking the right questions, selecting appropriate texts, and understanding that reading serves a purpose beyond mere comprehension.

Anne Lucas, former curriculum director and now Associate VP at Amplify, shares her expertise on the intricate nature of reading comprehension. She discusses why comprehension can be challenging to teach and introduces her K-8 digital program designed to enhance these skills. Lucas highlights the importance of micro skills and connective words in improving understanding. She also emphasizes how personal background knowledge influences reading comprehension, offering insights that can boost student learning.

Daniel Willingham, Ph.D., a psychology professor at the University of Virginia and author of 'The Reading Mind,' discusses the crucial role of knowledge in reading comprehension. He dives into the limitations of comprehension strategies and emphasizes the importance of background knowledge for better text engagement. Willingham highlights the delicate balance between phonics and knowledge-rich curricula and explores how both are vital for critical thinking. Lastly, he offers insightful strategies to enhance literacy outcomes through well-rounded educational approaches.

Nathaniel Swain, Ph.D., a senior lecturer in learning sciences and author, dives into the essentials of knowledge-rich curricula and its critical role in education. He challenges misconceptions about teaching in the 21st century, emphasizing how foundational knowledge fosters creativity and collaboration. The podcast also explores cognitive load theory, illustrating how effective teaching can enhance memory retention. Swain advocates for continuous learning and integration of evidence-based strategies to improve literacy and overall educational outcomes.

Join Steve Graham, a prominent scholar and writing expert from Arizona State University, as he dives into essential writing instruction. He emphasizes the profound connection between reading and writing, revealing how teaching both together enriches literacy. Graham discusses the need for clear feedback and how to enhance sentence structure, making writing more impactful. With practical strategies and insights, he inspires educators to foster confident, capable writers in their classrooms.

In this illuminating discussion, Jackie Relyea, Ph.D., an Assistant Professor of Literacy Education at North Carolina State University, shares her expertise on integrating background knowledge into teaching. She explains the power of read-alouds and word walls in building comprehension for multilingual learners. Jackie also emphasizes that vocabulary is just one aspect of conceptual knowledge. With a focus on creating a knowledge-rich curriculum, she highlights the joy of learning and engagement in literacy education.

Dr. Karen Betz, Assistant Professor of Literacy and Coordinator of Reading Science Programs at Marian University, shares her insights on improving teacher education for literacy success. She discusses her groundbreaking master's program in reading science and highlights the need for collaboration between universities and schools. Betz introduces a course alignment planning tool designed to ensure educators’ materials meet reading science objectives. She also encourages current teachers to actively participate in reforming higher education, fostering transparency and inquiry in educator preparation.

Claude Goldenberg, Ph.D., a Stanford professor and advocate for ending the reading wars, teams up with Susan Lambert to tackle listener questions. They discuss resolving the conflicting materials often faced by educators and strategies for supporting students significantly behind grade level. The duo emphasizes nurturing multilingual learners and the importance of integrating evidence-based practices in reading instruction. Auditory and visual systems' roles in reading development are also explored, alongside how to advocate for science-driven methods in classrooms.

Young-Suk Grace Kim, a professor at UC Irvine and expert in literacy, joins the conversation to share her insights on the Interactive Dynamic Literacy Model. She discusses the fascinating interplay between reading and writing, emphasizing their mutual enhancement through integrated instruction. Listeners will learn about the critical connections between literacy skills, including how weakness in oral language affects reading comprehension and composition. Dr. Kim advocates for teaching these skills synergistically to improve educational outcomes.

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.