Science of Language and Reading online short courses
Professor Pamela Snow and Professor Tanya Serry – who founded the Lab in 2020 – are collaborating with researchers, teachers, school leaders and allied health professionals to integrate evidence-based approaches into classroom practice to promote success in reading, writing, and spelling.
SOLAR Lab short courses are all online and fully flexible. You can log on in real time or can view recordings after the presentation. We make a range of resources available to participants, who can interact with us and each other via topic-based discussion forums. Thousands of teachers and allied health professionals have completed these courses since their inception in late 2020 and participant feedback has been outstanding.
A number of teachers and allied health professionals who have completed SOLAR Lab short courses have gone on to enroll in the Language and Literacy specialisation of the La Trobe Master of Education. The short courses are non-award programs so do not provide credit towards a Master’s degree but they are a terrific foundation for people returning to formal study on the science of language and reading.
Discounts are available to schools that enroll 10 or more staff (or all of their staff, in the case of small schools).
The Science of Language and Reading – Introduction
This is a specialised course covering the linguistic basis of early reading as this applies to word decoding and language comprehension. Both initial reading instruction and support for struggling readers will be discussed. This includes frameworks for early identification and intervention.
The Science of Language and Reading – Intermediate
This is an intermediate course that expands on the linguistic basis of reading and integrates knowledge about the cognitive science of learning with reading instruction and intervention. The Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework will be used to explore how to identify and support students with reading and related literacy difficulties.
The Science of Language and Reading – Secondary Perspective
Gain the knowledge and practical approaches to support secondary students who don’t have the reading, writing, and spelling skills needed to succeed. Improve your understanding the reading process, how reading and writing link to each other, and how to support students’ ongoing oral language skills across the curriculum.
Masterclass: Developing Great Writing Skills
The first in a series of three short courses aimed at demystifying writing skills, this 1.5-hour taster provides an evidence-based short burst of learning on the key components of great writing, and how to correct hugely common writing errors.
Improving Writing – The Science and Linguistics of Writing
Understanding the relationship between linguistics and writing will unlock your ability to teach writing more effectively. You’ll learn the building blocks for great writing; a framework for diagnosing and addressing writing errors and give your students the uplift they need to develop their writing skills.
The Science of Teaching Writing
Research shows that student competencies in writing are diminishing and that teachers feel under-prepared to teach writing, often lacking experience in evidence-based instructional practices.
This course builds your confidence and develops your skills in key teaching techniques that will have an impact on your students.
The Science of Learning for Effective Teaching
Uncover the secrets of effective teaching by understanding the science of learning – and transform your instructional practices impact in the classroom.