Literacy news
Study hails Scottish literacy scheme a success
17 Nov 2011
A scheme to improve the literacy of primary pupils in one of Scotland's largest education authorities is being rolled out across the region. The Active Literacy programme was started in North Lanarkshire in 2005. Pupils taking part are encouraged to learn through group work and greater classroom interaction.
A study undertaken in partnership with Dundee University showed that 93% of pupils taking part in the literacy programme scored above average in literacy tests and were 20% ahead of students who were not involved in the programme. The study also suggested an improvement in the traditional gender gap as participating boys performed as well as the girls.
The scheme moves away from traditional desk-based learning as it emphasises working in groups and pairs. It also encourages children to talk to their peers, teachers and parents about the books they are reading.
Sarah De Zoysa, Schools Manager at the National Literacy Trust said:
The Active Literacy scheme is a great example of how focussing on learning through meaningful talk and interaction can boost pupils’ literacy skills. Schools wishing to evaluate speaking and listening in their school might find our unique speaking and listening audit useful. This online evaluation tool assesses speaking and listening in every aspect of the school and provides ideas and advice for moving forward. Taster tools are available at http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/schools_network/evaluation_tools, and the full tools are available to National Literacy Trust Schools Network members.
Read the full news story at BBC
