Spelling the Way to Success

University of Canberra research aims to improve children's spelling and grammar | Watch video

University of Canberra Research Brings New Excitement to the Classroom and Helps Boost Literacy Rates - Without Spelling Tests

With varying levels of ability in the classroom and a combination of children who speak standard Australian English and those who speak English as a second language, teaching spelling and grammar can be a real challenge

Research led by University of Canberra education expert Dr Misty Adoniou is aiming to improve children’s spelling and grammar by teaching them to understand the history of the English language and its construction in an exciting way.

As Dr Adoniou says, “While everybody agrees they’re important, turning spelling and grammar into captivating and meaningful learning in primary schools can be very challenging.”

Dr Adoniou has conducted extensive research in schools, trialling her innovative approach with teachers in classrooms. The results have been very positive.

“We’ve ditched the ubiquitous spelling test which doesn’t actually teach spelling and have instead developed an exciting and engaging word study program,” she explains. “This allows children of all ages to become entranced by the ways in which English words make their meanings, and language history helps explain how they have come to be spelled the way they are.”

During the trials, Dr Adoniou found that “even very young children are incredibly responsive to stories about words. These understandings about words are key to building their spelling skills and their vocabulary.”

Dr Adoniou’s research has generated enormous interest with teachers and parents alike, with the work reported in the mainstream media and on parenting websites.

“Schools and jurisdictions around the country have requested workshops on this approach to spelling,” Dr Adoniou says, “which is not only effective but exciting as well.”