Shanahan on Literacy Should Reading Be Taught Whole Class or Small Group?
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Jun 14, 2025 The podcast dives into the ongoing debate surrounding reading instruction methods. It questions the effectiveness of small group teaching compared to whole-class approaches. Research findings reveal surprising drawbacks of small group strategies, pushing educators to rethink their methods. The discussion highlights the importance of equitable learning opportunities, especially for disadvantaged students. Tune in for insights that challenge conventional wisdom and aim to reshape reading education.
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Research Shows Limited Grouping Benefits
- Meta-analyses show grouping yields small to medium effects, but few studies specifically compare small-group reading to whole-class instruction.
Group Size And Dosage Matter
- For reading specifically, effect sizes are weak and group size matters; groups of five+ show little benefit and small groups reduce total teaching time.
Key Studies Show Mixed Results
- Shanahan cites studies: Camille & Rauscher found no superiority for small groups, while Sorenson & Hallinan found small groups teach more per minute but reduce overall opportunities.
