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The Selected Works of Frank Smith: World Library of Educationalists

Richard Adams

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Published in Landmarks In Literacy: The Selected Works Of Frank Smith (World Library Of Educationalists)

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Frank Smith was a pioneering educationalist whose work has had a profound impact on our understanding of literacy, language acquisition, and the role of the teacher. His groundbreaking theories have challenged traditional assumptions about how children learn to read and write, and have influenced educational practices around the world.

Landmarks in Literacy: The Selected Works of Frank Smith (World Library of Educationalists)

by Frank Smith

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Language	:	English
File size	:	3008 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	165 pages

In this volume, we have collected some of Smith's most important works, including his seminal book Understanding Reading. This collection provides a comprehensive overview of Smith's thinking on a wide range of educational topics, from the nature of literacy to the role of the teacher in the classroom.

Understanding Reading

In Understanding Reading, Smith argues that reading is not a passive process of decoding symbols, but rather an active process of constructing meaning. He emphasizes the importance of background knowledge, context, and purpose in reading comprehension, and he challenges the traditional view of reading as a skill that can be mastered through drill and practice.

Smith's theory of reading has been influential in the development of new approaches to reading instruction, such as the whole language approach and the balanced literacy approach. These approaches focus on developing students' comprehension skills by immersing them in meaningful reading experiences.

The Role of the Teacher

In addition to his work on literacy, Smith has also written extensively about the role of the teacher in the classroom. He argues that teachers should be facilitators of learning, rather than dispensers of knowledge. He believes that teachers should create a supportive and engaging learning environment in which students can explore their interests and develop their own understanding of the world.

Smith's ideas about the role of the teacher have been influential in the development of new approaches to teacher education. These approaches focus on developing teachers' skills in creating a positive learning environment and in facilitating student learning.

Legacy

Frank Smith was a visionary educationalist who made a significant contribution to our understanding of literacy, language acquisition, and the role of the teacher. His work has had a profound impact on educational practices around the world, and his legacy will continue to inspire educators for generations to come.