Prof.Beverly Derewianka

 

Seminar Presentation: Explicit Teaching of English: Scaffolding Practices for Reading and Writing

 

In this presentation we will look at how teachers can support students’ development of English literacy through a range of practices based on Vygotsky’s notion of scaffolding. Such practices range along a continuum from teacher-focused instruction through to student independent production. Reading pedagogy includes such activities as modelled reading, shared reading, guided reading, collaborative reading, and independent close reading. These activities are informed by parallel writing practices, with reading and writing interacting and each reinforcing the other. And of course, the teaching of reading and writing is mediated by careful use of dialogic oral interaction practices at the whole class, group and pair level.

 

Bio:

After 40 years of involvement in teaching and teacher education, Beverly is now retired and is enjoying working with teachers in classrooms and providing professional learning workshops nationally and internationally. She still maintains a connection with the University of Wollongong as a Professorial Fellow which enables her to participate in research projects with colleagues in Literacy Education and TESOL. Her publications include Exploring How Texts Work (PETAA), A New Grammar Companion for Teachers (PETAA), School Discourse (Continuum – with Frances Christie), and Teaching Language in Context (OUP – with Pauline Jones).