S5 E16 - Is Whole Class Phonics Instruction Really Equitable?

In this episode of the Structured Literacy podcast, Jocelyn challenges the common assumption that whole class phonics instruction is more equitable than targeted grouping, arguing that cognitive science research suggests otherwise. Drawing on cognitive load theory and John Sweller's research that humans can only process two to three novel pieces of information simultaneously, she demonstrates through a detailed classroom scenario how struggling students become cognitively overwhelmed in whole class lessons while advanced students remain unchallenged.

Jocelyn contends that truly equitable instruction involves using assessment data to group students by skill level rather than ideology, ensuring optimal cognitive load where students aren't presented with too much novel information (causing overload) or too little (causing disengagement), and emphasises that phonics learning requires active engagement and repetition rather than mere exposure.

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We have released Spelling Success in Action 1, a catch-up program for phonics, early morphology, and orthographic conventions for years 3 to 8. This program can be used one-on-one, in small groups, or as a whole class and is built on what the evidence tells us is the critical knowledge students need for strong spelling and the type of instruction that makes learning stick.

Learn more about this resource and order your copy at www.jocelynseamereducation.com

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