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Kari Wordekemper EDU 350 – Teaching Reading Dr. Janette Sodoro 2 December 2002
Eclectic Approach: Position Paper
The eclectic approach combines many different methods rather than one individual approach. By using the eclectic approach, the teacher implements a number of methods and materials to fit the group of students. The approach allows adaptation of materials for students’ needs, whereas, the mandated single method may deter students from making progress.
What is the eclectic approach? The eclectic approach integrates different reading methods and techniques such as basal reader, language experience, computer-assisted instruction, individualized reading approach, thematic literature unit approach, and literature-based program. By implementing these approaches, the teacher is utilizing all the abilities of the students’. The process is an ongoing effort to maintain balance, while meeting the necessary needs of those involved. When using the eclectic approach, the other reading approaches must be defined to help teachers understand the methods and techniques available. The language experience uses the children’s experiences as the basis of reading materials. The teacher may pick literature or create an experience the children can relate or connect to when learning the new material. By attracting the children’s interest learning comes easier and more information in retained to memory. The basal reader provides learning materials for the students’ developmental stage in the reading process, and provides the appropriate grade level strategies. The basal also provides anthologies of stories, content area selection, poems, plays, and other material to enhance learning (254). The individualized reading approach allows the children to move at their own pace with reading material they have selected. This encourages independent reading and assistance when needed. The thematic literature unit is centered around themes such as family, animals, specific groups of people, and folktales. This approach allows learners to make connections between ideas, think more deeply, and develop a better understanding (273). A literature-based approach is using quality literature to connect with the learner’s personal background knowledge, analyzing stories, selections for particular elements, and monitoring students’ understanding of reading materials (264). For example, students chose books, do related activities, and conferencing with the teacher about the book. This encourages independent reading and assistance when needed to improve the student’s skills (283). The computer approach helps assist in all reading approaches. The computer programs that are available are computer-assisted instruction, computer-managed instruction, word processing, database applications, and literature presentation (296). All of these approaches are included in the eclectic approach to enhance the students learning ability and to help teachers, select enriched material for teaching.
Is this a logical approach? Eclectic approach benefits all students with different needs and abilities. The teacher is able to adapt more materials to the students' environment, which helps the students' become successful learners. By using several approaches for the students, individual and group learning as a whole is being enhanced, because one single approach many not reach all levels of understanding. Some educators believe this approach has to many methods and techniques for students to learn, but by assessing the students’ abilities, the teacher is able to choose the right approach for the individual student. By using centers in the classroom, a teacher can provide many different types of reading and writing materials to strengthen reading for all the students, instead of just focusing on one type of learning that does not work for all.
Will it benefit all students? Using the eclectic approach is being an effective teacher because all student needs are being met. Every approach to reading should begin with concepts on how to read. It is also essential that students be taught comprehension, decoding, formation of letters, and creative writing to enhance their reading skills. During this whole process, the teacher should be addressing phonetics, sight words, whole language, and language experience, in which are all-important aspects on learning how to read. Therefore, this approach is appropriate for all students with different learning abilities.
Cautions when Implementing An eclectic approach has many methods and techniques a teacher can implement, however, a teacher needs to be aware of what difficulties this approach may cause. When using these different teaching strategies, the teacher needs to focus on all of the available strategies instead of just one. This approach cannot favor the teacher’s preferred style, but must meet the needs of all students by using a variety of teaching styles. The teacher may not be able to use their ideas or imaginative thoughts as freely.
Conclusion An eclectic approach combines enriched techniques from many different methods. It enables the teacher to meet the needs of the students in several ways. An effective teacher is knowledgeable about different reading approaches and what is effective with each student’s abilities. Therefore, the eclectic approach is strengthening a students’ success in learning.
Works Cited Burns, Paul, Betty D. Roe, and Sandy H. Smith. Teaching Reading in Today’s Elementary Schools. New York: Houghton Mifflin, 2002. Lingua Links Library. Version 4.0. CD Rom. SIL International. 1999. 27 July 1999.
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