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Expert: - 4/30/2004


Question
Is the early/primary education program driven by whole language instruction or phonics?

Answer
Crystal,

Your question is unbelievably broad.  An education program is influenced by the training of the teachers, the policies of the school district and the country, among other things.

For years people have assumed that whole language excludes phonics.  But that is not the case at all.  You can be teaching a whole language program but phonics naturally appears as you look at the words in text.  In my opinion, a good education program will incorporate both aspects and will not exclude either one or let one over-power the other.

I hope this answers your question.

Debba

Careers: Teaching

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Debba Robinson

Expertise

I can answer questions about reading at all levels, English as a Second Language, elementary math, science and social studies as well as general education matters. Individuals interested in teaching in international schools can contact me for information on how to begin the process of looking for jobs overseas.

Experience

I have been teaching for 30 years with a MEd in Reading and Language Arts, a BA in Elementary Education. For 6 years I taught computer to grades K-8. I have taught in combined grades (K-2 and 2-3 splits)in the US and overseas. The bulk of my elementary experience is in second and third grades, although I've taught K, 1, 2, 3 and 5 as a self-contained experience. Twenty-two years of my experience teaching has been in international schools in Africa and Asia.

Education/Credentials
MEd. in Reading and Language Arts
BA in Elementary Education
Certified principal K-12. Currently the director of the American International School of Niamey, Niger.

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