The historical trends of reading instruction in the twentieth century : an honors thesis (HONRS 499)

Abstract

This discussion of the trends of reading instruction in twentieth century elementary schools is broken into five time periods, based on the periods described by Nila Banton Smith in her book, American Reading Instruction (1965). Research has been examined to determine the characteristic methods and trends of each time period, according to experts of the time and of contemporary experts. The basic teaching methods and the primary philosophies and theories will be discussed with an emphasis on word recognition skills, comprehension skills, and reading styles. Following the presentation of the research findings, there will be a section of recommendations for the future teaching of reading in elementary schools.