Natural Learning

Theory/Model of Reading

READ 650 Group Presentations

Victoria Parrott and Courtney
Fisher
 Principles of Natural Learning Model
of Reading
-Learning is a natural
process.
-Humans are innately
capable of learning
language.
-Reading is a natural process
that does not require
excessively practicing skills.
-Reading is enjoyable and
meaningful.
 Aligning Natural Learning Models of
Reading With Historical Eras
- This model aligns with the Era of
Natural Learning (1966-1975).

- The Natural Learning Model differs

from the era of Conditioned Learning
because views shifted from the idea that
reading is a behaviorism to the idea that
reading is a natural, innate occurrence
due to language acquisition.
 Conditions that prompted
Natural Learning Models of Reading
- Many groups in the reading
community disagreed with
Skinnerian behaviorism.

- Many groups agreed with

Chomsky; learning
language is innate.

- Researchers felt that

reading should be a natural
and enjoyable process.
 Leading Researchers of Natural
Learning Research in Reading

-Noam Chomsky (1957;1965): Innate

Language Development
- Goodman (1985): Understanding
Alternative Meaning
- Halliday (1969): Active Learning
 How does a Natural Learning model
inform research in reading?
• Research Questions
-Should there be more of an emphasis on learning naturally or practicing
skills?
-Can individuals develop oral language, reading, and writing skills
naturally with frequent, structured practice?
• Methodologies
- Learning to read should be meaningful, not based on memorization or
recitation.

• Instructional Recommendations:
-Focus on the process students took to find alternative meanings in texts,
rather than just on student’s errors.
-Provide opportunities for natural acquisition of oral language, reading, and
writing, and the appreciation of reading.
 Visual of Natural Learning Theory

The more
we are Reading is a
exposed to natural, enjoyable
language... process.

We are born with … the better

the innate ability we will be at
to learn language. reading!