Description

Reading Fundamentals supports the concept of using scientifically-based reading research to develop an effective approach to reading assessment, instruction, evaluation, and remediation.

An Introduction to Scientifically-based Research, the first in the three-course Reading Fundamentals series on effective reading instruction, was designed to give background on scientifically-based instruction as it applies to federal legislation. The course discusses the research that supports scientifically-based research as it applies to effective instruction, assessment, and evaluation. The course explores myths and misconceptions concerning reading instruction and remediation. It also presents an evaluation checklist designed to assess the effectiveness of your current reading program. The goal of the course is to present you with research, trustworthy evidence, and background information that support the need for a reading program that is based on scientific research and proven methods.

This computer-based instruction course is a self-supporting program that provides instruction, structured practice, and evaluation all on your home or school computer. Technical support information can be found in the Help section of your course.

Note: It is recommended that the Reading Fundamentals courses be taken sequentially; however, it is not mandatory that all three courses be taken.

Syllabus, Objectives, and Outcomes

Objectives:

• Describe what is meant by critical thinking.
• Explain what science is and illustrate the six scientific principles.
• Explain the myths and misconceptions of science, and describe the ways in which we gain information.
• Describe the impact science has had on medicine, clinical psychology, and education.
• Illustrate the constraint levels in educational research.
• Explain the difference in assumptions regarding the sources of variability, the type of logic approach, and the ability to generalize results between experimental group research and single-case research.
• Describe the concepts of reliability and validity and trustworthiness or believability of measures.
• Explain what is meant by variability, including the sources of variability.
• Describe the terms internal and external validity, and explain the threats to each.
• Illustrate the different research designs/methods (i.e., experimental, single-case, causal-comparative, correlational, and qualitative).
• Describe the importance of replications and illustrate the types of replications.
• Describe what is meant by the term research synthesis.
• Describe the difference between evidence-based and research-based practices.

Course Materials (Online):

Title:  Reading Fundamentals #1: An Introduction to Scientifically-based Research, Dr. Karen Lea/Mick Jackson

Review Syllabus:  Reading_Fundamentals__1_Karen_Lea_VESi.pdf

Online registration URL closes @ 5:00 p.m. on August 2, 2024.