Whole language approach: simultaneous teaching of language skills strengthens reading and writing together¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The whole language approach is the simultaneous teaching and learning of different language skills, used in adult literacy and basic education. For GED preparation it strengthens critical reading skills and improves writing competence: as students learn to read better, they recognize what writers do and can anticipate their own readers' needs. The manual recommends reading discussion groups, reading journals, varied reading materials, and goal-setting reading exercises that feed directly into writing assignments.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Teachers must create opportunities for students to read and connect reading structure lessons to writing tasks

Constraints¶

• Described for GED/adult basic education contexts

Target Learners¶

• Adult GED preparation students

Target Learning Objectives¶

• Critical reading, understanding paragraph and essay structure, anticipating reader needs

Claims¶

Related Theories¶

• Writing process approach: prewriting, drafting, and revising as overlapping cyclical task groups

Examples¶

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Key Sources¶

• Coombs, Lucinda H. (1987). The GED Writing Skills Test Essay Teacher Training Manual. Maine Dept. of Educational and Cultural Services / University of Maine. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED324536