According to the research, what is the most effective approach to reading instruction?

The most effective approach to reading instruction, as supported by extensive research, is systematic and explicit instruction. This approach involves clearly defined teaching goals, structured lesson plans, and direct teaching of skills. It ensures that students gain a thorough understanding of how reading works, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension strategies.

Systematic instruction means that the skills are taught in a logical progression, allowing students to build upon what they have previously learned. This method is particularly beneficial for struggling readers, as it provides them with the necessary tools and frameworks to improve their reading abilities. By being explicit, the instruction does not leave any assumptions about what students should know; instead, it clearly outlines the expectations and methods used to achieve those expectations. This kind of structured approach has been shown to lead to significant improvements in reading outcomes, making it highly effective in classroom settings.

While other approaches such as engagement through storytelling or using multimedia resources can also support reading development, they are generally more effective when paired with a solid foundation of systematic and explicit instruction.