Date of Award
5-2023
Document Type
Action Research Project
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Education
Department
Education
First Advisor
Catherine Kelly
Department/School
Education, Curriculum and Instruction
Abstract
This action research study aimed to determine the impacts of daily explicit phonics instruction and the impacts on reading fluency levels in a first-grade classroom. The intervention took place over ten weeks and included whole and small-group phonics instruction and independent practice. Seventeen six and seven-year-olds in a suburban elementary school participated in multisensory phonics activities for 20 to 30 minutes daily. Data was collected using seasonal benchmark assessments, teacher observations, and student self-reflections. Findings suggest that explicit phonics instruction increased reading fluency scores, but not significant enough to say it was the sole reason. Further research is needed to determine the effectiveness of phonics instruction over an extended period and for students with other learning needs, such as English language learners and special education students with academic goals.
Recommended Citation
Belrose, Jill. (2023). The Effects of Phonics Instruction on Reading Fluency in an Elementary Classroom. Retrieved from Sophia, the St. Catherine University repository website: https://sophia.stkate.edu/maed/516