English Domain - Research
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This section identifies major research and evaluation in the area of English and Literacy education.
Research projects and related links
Oxford Wordlist Research (PDF - 1Mb) – a NEW list of the 307 most frequently used words in children’s writing
Oxford Wordlist Research Summary (PDF - 1.2Mb) – An investigation of high frequency words in young children’s writing
and reading development.
National Inquiry into the Teaching of Literacy (http://www.dest.gov.au/nitl/report.htm) - provides links to the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations 2005 report outlining findings from the National Inquiry into the Teaching of Literacy.
What Works: The Work Program (http://www.whatworks.edu.au) - provides a link to professional action materials for improving outcomes for Indigenous students. Also includes case studies; downloadable workbooks, the guidebook and other resources; and the ability to subscribe to the web site.
Literacy eLert (PDF - 207Kb) - contains two research papers, Literacy Teaching and Learning in Victorian Schools and A Chronological Review of Literacy Policy, Programs and exemplar case studies of Department of Education, Victoria 1980–2005.
Successful Interventions Research
The Successful Interventions Literacy Research Project was an investigation of literacy intervention strategies and programs that helped to reduce the gap in literacy levels of secondary students in 44 Victorian secondary schools.
- Successful Interventions Research - Summary report (PDF - 274Kb)
- Successful Interventions Research - Full report (PDF - 1.8Mb)
Early Years
In Teacher’s Hands (http://inteachershands.education.ecu.edu.au/) - presents the results of the research project In Teachers’ Hands: Effective Literacy Teaching Practices in the Early Years of Schooling, which was funded by the Department of Education, Science and Training (2005). The project was based at Edith Cowan University and included researchers from around Australia.
The Early Literacy Research Report (PDF - 168Kb) - a three year (1996-98) joint venture of the Department of Education and The University of Melbourne aimed at examining various aspects of early literacy learning and teaching. It informed the development of the Victoria Early Years Literacy Program.
Middle Years
Middle Years Literacy Research Project
A report of the research completed by Deakin University working with twelve schools to help middle years’ teachers maximise their effectiveness as teachers of literacy. This project was designed to improve literacy outcomes for all Years 5-9 students, particularly those experiencing literacy difficulties.
- Middle Years Literacy Research Project - Summary Report (PDF - 70Kb)
- Middle Years Literacy Research Project - Full Report (PDF - 884Kb)
Improving student outcomes in literacy for students in the middle years of schooling: Characteristics of effective schools - this resource presents evidence-based advice and supporting examples for school leaders and teachers about effective strategies to ensure that all schools actively pursue excellence in teaching literacy and literacy learning outcomes for all students continue to improve.