Theories about how best to teach children to read have been controversial in the U.S. and elsewhere throughout the past and present centuries.
Ken and Yetta Goodman have devoted their lives to teaching and research in the field of reading. On Wednesday afternoon they intend to give their audience at the Arizona Senior Academy a glimpse into the theory and practical application of Ken's comprehensive model of the reading process.
Their presentation will begin at 2:30 p.m. in the great room of the Arizona Senior Academy Building on the campus of the Academy Village, 13715 E. Langtry Lane.
The active-adult community is off Old Spanish Trail six miles southeast of the entrance to Saguaro National Park East and just south of Rocking K Ranch.
The couple will focus on reading's relationship to the still controversial concept of "Whole Language," a philosophy of teaching and learning that at first glance appears counterintuitive. People think of reading as the recognition of words which, arranged in a particular order, convey an idea. But drawing on principles from psycho- and socio-linguistics, Ken now talks about reading as "a grand illusion."
People are also reading…
To make sense from print, he believes, the human brain makes predictions and tells the eyes what to look for in order to get to the meaning.
The Goodmans plan to begin their presentation with an interactive exploration with audience members of what constitutes people's "literacy lives." They hope to help people remember their own acquisition of reading and how it happened.
Ken will also present insights of how people make sense of what they read. Elements will include such topics as the principle of efficiency, the role of prediction, selection, self-monitoring and inference in reading and how new brain research is consistent with his reading theory.
Married 60 years, the Goodmans are officially retired after more than 30 years in the department of language, reading and culture in the University of Arizona's College of Education. Now in their 80s, they continue to work in their field - writing, traveling throughout the world, participating in professional organizations, consulting with schools and universities about language and persisting in efforts to change the way reading and literacy are viewed.
Both have been elected to the Reading Hall of Fame, and each has had numerous awards and leadership positions: Ken as president of the International Reading Association and Yetta as president of the National Council of Teachers of English. Yetta is one of the few women named a Regents Professor at the University of Arizona.
Ken got his doctorate at UCLA before they moved to Detroit. Yetta got her doctorate at Wayne State University and taught at the University of Michigan, Dearborn Campus, before they were recruited by John Schaefer, then UA president, to bring their research and work with teachers of reading, language and literacy to the College of Education.
Due to the popularity of educational and cultural events at the academy and limited seating availability, non-members are advised to make advance reservations.
If you go
• What: "Reading: The Grand Illusion," lecture by Ken and Yetta Goodman
• When: 2:30 p.m. Wednesday
• Where: Arizona Senior Academy Building at Academy Village, 13715 E. Langtry Lane
• Admission: Free; donations accepted
• Reservations: Recommended; email info@arizonasenioracademy.org or call 647-0980
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