Eclectic and Global Methods for Reading and Writing
Eclectic Method
This method offers a promising approach to achieving higher levels of reading and writing. It combines the most valuable aspects of various methods to facilitate learning. Developed by Dr. Vogel, the eclectic method links the spelling of each word with its meaning.
Eclectic Method Process
Based on the method of normal words, the teacher can incorporate elements from various methods:
The Alphabet
- Utilizes the order of letters and illustrations for teaching.
- Employs cardboard letters with different colors for vowels and consonants.
Syllabic Method
- Focuses on the order of syllables and various exercises.
- Analyzes words to identify syllables.
- Utilizes syllabaries.
Phonetic Method
- Teaches individual phonemes.
- Associates phonemes with graphemes.
- Employs onomatopoeic resources.
- Teaches reading and writing simultaneously.
Total Method
- Motivates students and fosters a love for reading and writing.
- Analyzes and synthesizes words.
- Utilizes environmental resources.
Characteristics of the Eclectic Method
- Encourages children through stories, poems, songs, and other literary forms.
- Facilitates learning through the laws of learning.
- Allows for analysis, synthesis, and comparison of letters.
- Promotes self-activity in learning.
- Employs a collective and individual approach to education.
- Utilizes an analytic-synthetic approach, starting with words and progressing to syllables and phonemes.
- Teaches reading and writing simultaneously.
- Associates written images of letters, words, phrases, and sentences with pictures.
Advantages
- Caters to children’s needs and interests.
- Considers motivation and psychology.
- Stimulates learning.
- Provides the teacher with freedom of choice.
Disadvantages
- Requires the teacher to be proficient in all methods of reading and writing.
- Demands continuous updating by the teacher.
- Places the overall responsibility for teaching and learning on the teacher.
Global Method
This analytical method introduces reading by presenting children with meaningful units, such as words and sentences. It aligns with the natural process of speaking and recognizes words as the fundamental units of thought. Also known as the method of complete sentences or the Decroly method, the global method is well-suited for young children because:
- They perceive their surroundings syncretically.
- They perceive differences more readily than similarities.
- They perceive color differences more easily than form differences.
- They do not spontaneously analyze parts of a whole.
- They are motivated by curiosity and interest.
- They perceive globally.
The teaching of reading and writing should build upon the child’s oral language skills. The global method replicates the process of learning to speak. Children utilize their visual memory to recognize phrases, sentences, and words. They spontaneously build relationships and identify identical elements in different words.
Steps to Follow
Comprehension Stage
- Focuses on understanding the meaning of words and sentences.
- Uses labels for objects in the classroom.
- Introduces sentence types to visually guide students.
- Encourages understanding new words through context.
Imitation Stage
- Children copy and read sentences.
- They form new phrases and sentences with familiar words.
- They study and write dictated words.
- They complete sentences orally and in writing.
Development Stage
- Children recognize more complex words.
- They identify syllables and words with identical beginnings, middles, or ends.
- They recognize words within other words.
- They identify vowels within words.
Production Stage
- Children produce and read meaningful texts.
- They read, understand, and explain texts.
- They answer questions about readings.
- They recite poems, sing songs, and tell stories.
- They write news, jokes, and information.
- They develop reading books with posters.
Benefits
- Respects the child’s syncretic capacity and follows the natural learning process.
- Follows the laws of learning (effect, exercise, association, motivation).
- Encourages reading comprehension from the beginning.
- Develops a positive attitude towards reading.
- Facilitates simultaneous reading and writing.
- Allows students to track their progress.
- Combines literacy with drawing to aid retention.
Disadvantages
- Requires the teacher to have prior knowledge of the method.
- Requires careful selection of words to align with children’s interests.
- May require special assistance for some students.
- May need to be supplemented by another method.
- Does not strongly emphasize the phoneme-grapheme relationship.
Requirements of the Method
- The teacher must have specific knowledge of the method.
- The teacher should have knowledge of child psychology, learning psychology, and learning laws.
- Individualized attention is required.
- Learning may take time.
- Sufficient space is needed for materials.
- Collaboration between home and school is beneficial.
The use of appropriate teaching equipment and materials is essential for achieving satisfactory results with this method.