Comprehension Hypothesis

Definition: "The Comprehension Hypothesis states that we acquire language and develop literacy when we understand messages, that is, when we understand what we hear and what we read, when we receive comprehensible input." -From sdkrashen.com

• This is important because, as educators, we need to understand the difference between being able to do something and comprehending it. For example, some students may be excellent readers but if they do not understand what they have read, then it is pointless. The important part of language is understanding it, not just being able to speak it. 

Skill-building Hypothesis

Definition: "A language is viewed as a complex system which has to be gradually mastered by learning and practicing all its complex elements. The focus is on meaning and much less on analysis, repetitive practice and form." -From frenchteachernet.blogspot.com

• This is important to education because we do have to realize that learning language is a process and will take time for our students to fully grasp it. Like my building block picture, we need to take one step at a time. We should help our students practice every bit of it, without losing the meaning behind why they are learning it.

Whole Language

Definition: "A method of teaching children to read at an early age that allows students to select their own reading matter and that emphasizes the use and recognition of words in everyday contexts." -From dictionary.com

• This is important to education because it is the beginning steps of reading. Even though some students may learn from phonics, others cannot. The whole language approach gives the children choices, which makes them more engaged in learning. As educators, we can use this to our advantage in helping students learn.  

Systematic Intensive Phonics Instruction

Definition: "A systematic phonics approach or program is a sequential set of phonics elements that is delineated and are taught along a dimension of explicitness depending on the type of phonics method employed." -From readingrockets.org

• This is important in education because systematic phonics instruction helps even disabled readers' reading skills. Phonics is the beginning part of learning to read. Before learning what something means, you must first be able to correlate sounds with words.

Data-driven Approach

Definition: Differentiated instruction that uses data to give every child a differentiated lesson plan, according to their own abilities. -From literacyhow.com

• This is important in education because every child is different and they need to be learning at the level that works best for them. For example, if you have a class of students and give them all a lesson plan that works for the majority of the students, the higher-level students will become bored and the lower-level students will struggle to keep up.

Concept-driven Approach

Definition: "the common-sense model that actually uses—but teaches beyond—the facts and skills to develop deeper conceptual understandings that transfer through time, across cultures, and across situations" -From corwin-connect.com

• This is important in education because it allows the students to connect the information that they are learning. They can connect old information with new information, allowing them to truly understand topics and being able to relate them to real life.