What Is Morphology? Should Teachers Include It in Reading Instruction?
Morphology instruction in reading education, focusing on studying word structures like prefixes, suffixes, and root words, is gaining attention as a valuable tool for enhancing reading skills. It benefits older students struggling with multisyllabic words and those needing more profound vocabulary knowledge. However, the research on its efficacy is mixed, and its implementation in classrooms remains debated. While morphology can help decode and understand complex words, its effectiveness compared to other interventions like phonological awareness or general vocabulary instruction is not superior. Morphology is especially beneficial for English learners, helping them draw connections between English and their native languages. A study showed that students who received morphology instruction demonstrated moderate improvements in vocabulary and reading. Despite its potential benefits, experts emphasize that morphology should not overshadow foundational phonics instruction, especially in early grades, and should be integrated thoughtfully into the broader reading curriculum and other language interventions. In practical classroom settings, morphology can be a way to 'bootstrap' the English language, particularly for students who speak languages with Latin or Greek influences. It aids in identifying cross-linguistic relationships and understanding parts of speech, essential in developing language proficiency.
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