Adult literacy learners often identify spelling as a problem. They see their poor spelling as evidence of deficient writing skills and lack of general English proficiency and, like it or not, we are judged on our spelling.
Spelling knowledge has been found to be connected to other areas of literacy. It can help learners understand how words work at the levels of sound, structure and meaning which can enhance vocabulary and develop reading comprehension. It is difficult for many people to develop spelling skills through exposure to print alone.
Research has shown that explicit teaching of spelling can significantly improve students’ spelling performance.
A number of theorists have advocated the teaching of several spelling knowledges as a way of building the linguistic skills and processes that students need to become proficient spellers.
In this workshop we will look at developing spelling knowledges:
- morphemic
- etymological
- phonological
- visual.
We will focus on activities that build on adult learners’ existing knowledge and skills, provide the flexibility that adult learners need, and focus on applying knowledge in real-life situations.
Our presenter, Jan Hagston is a director of Multifangled, an education and training consultancy specialising in adult and youth education. She has taught in secondary schools, the VET sector, the ACE sector and in workplace programs. She also has significant experience in curriculum and materials development, professional development, and research.
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