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Transforming research on morphology into teacher practice

Hurry, Jane and Bryant, Peter and Curno, Tamsin and Nunes, Terezinha and Parker, Mary and Pretzlik, Ursula and Midgley, Lucinda (2005) Transforming research on morphology into teacher practice. Research Papers in Education, 20 (2). pp. 187-206. ISSN Print: 0267-1522 Online: 1470-1146

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Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/02671520500078291

Abstract

Research suggests that the explicit teaching of morphological principles will improve children’s spelling. Despite the fact that reference is made to morphology in English policy documents, teachers make limited use of morphology when teaching spelling, relying more heavily on phonic and visual strategies. After attending a course on role of morphemes in spelling, teachers’ own awareness of morphology increased and this was reflected in their practice. This in turn caused their pupils to make significant gains in spelling, compared to a control group. This reinforces the proposition that explicit instruction about morphemes is helpful to children’s learning. It demonstrates the fact that research can be transformed into teacher practice, but it also illustrates the difficulties. Policy documentation alone is insufficient. Professional development can effect change but this may be hard to sustain. Children’s gains are contingent on teacher’s continuing to dedicate class time to focussed intervention.

Item Type: Article
Additional Information: This is an electronic version of an article published in Hurry, Jane and Bryant, Peter and Curno, Tamsin and Nunes, Terezinha and Parker, Mary and Pretzlik, Ursula and Midgley, Lucinda (2005) Transforming research on morphology into teacher practice. Research Papers in Education, 20 (2). pp. 187-206. Research Papers in Education is available online at: http://www.informaworld.com/10.1080/02671520500078291
Uncontrolled Keywords: Primary school; Literacy; 5 - 10; morphology; teacher practice; professional development; spelling
Subjects: Departments > Psychology and Human Development
Depositing User: IOE Repository Editor (2)
Date Deposited: 18 May 2010 15:55
Last Modified: 26 Jun 2012 22:34
URI: http://eprints.ioe.ac.uk/id/eprint/4833

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