Raising Literacy levels

Background

Recent research has show that the ‘synthetic phonic method’ clearly raises literacy levels, especially amongst children for whom English is a second language. In the UK the national curriculum has been revised so children are taught to read primarily using the synthetic phonics method. School’s from India to Ireland are increasingly following suite. The 'synthetic phonic method' is one that emphasises both the teaching of letter-sounds in isolation (not in whole words) and synthesis skills (how to blend letter-sounds together to read a word). This method provides a thorough foundation for reading and writing. It teaches the letter sounds in an enjoyable, multisensory way, and enables children to use them to read and write words.

The Pilot Study in Akwa Ibom State

Stepping Stones Nigeria and a team of academics from the University of Uyo have trained teachers from six government schools in the use of the synthetic phonic method. Pupils reading ability was tested before they school year commenced in October 2006 and will be tested again at the end of the school year in August 2007. The effectiveness of the method will then be evaluated, with research findings being written up by the team of adacemics. Resources and funding from the project have come from Jolly Learning.

The Potential of the ‘Synthetic Phonics Method’

Stepping Stones Nigeria believes that this method has the potential to radically improve literacy levels for all children in Nigeria. If the pilot study supports this belief we intend to seek the funding needed to train and resource 50% of Nigerian schools. Improved literacy levels will help reduce poverty and build a more democratic and equitable Nigeria.

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