What We Know About the Reading Brain, the Writing Brain, and Operationalizing Literacy through Universal Design for Learning
Event: INTED2023
Session time: Tuesday, 7th of March from 10:30 to 12:00 (UTC+01:00)
Session type: INTERACTIVE
Room: Interactive
Session chair: Tracey Tokuhama-Espinosa. Harvard University Extension School (UNITED STATES)

Reading: Most people are convinced that multilingualism is beneficial, manageable, and even natural when it comes to oral skills. However, many have trouble understanding how the human brain can learn literacy skills in multiple languages and there is still great debate about exactly how to do this. In this session, we will discuss multiliteracy skills and recommended, evidence-based practices.
Additionally, we will look at what is known to date about the neural networks in the brain related to early reading skills, and how this translates into successful teaching. There are at least 16 different neural circuits related to reading in the brain, which are each stimulated by different classroom activities. Do you incorporate the right activities in your classroom to meet all students’ needs? This course will look at ways that neuroscience can help teaching by breaking down the many different skill sets needed for successful reading.

Writing: Most of the research on “literacy” focuses on how the brain learns to read, not how it learns to write. New studies on the brain have revealed the complex higher order functions associated with writing, and how the thinking behind the writing actually works. This workshop will explain the 15 stages of thinking associated with the writing process and we will discuss how many of these go “untaught” or are “undervalued” in school assessment.

Universal Design for Learning (UDL): UDL is a teaching and learning framework to enhance differentiation. Learning Management Systems (LMSs) like Canvas have added new ways to leverage the science behind UDL through clearer learning trajectories and a greater variety of tools. In this workshop we will talk about some of the possibilities of a new instructional design that leverages neuroscience and technology through UDL.