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Owner: Erica M. Barnes
Owner Email: ebarnes@albany.edu
Paper Title: Using Facebook to Understand the Science of Reading
Session Title: Avenues of Professional Development
Paper Type: Paper
Presentation Date: 4/13/2024
Presentation Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Descriptors: Literacy, Professional Knowledge, Reading
Methodology: Mixed Method
Author(s): Erica M. Barnes, University at Albany - SUNY; Jaime Lynn Puccioni, University at Albany - SUNY; Abigail Ferris, University at Albany - SUNY
Unit: Division K - Teaching and Teacher Education
Abstract: Given pervasive declining literacy scores on national assessments, an emphasis on the science of reading (SOR) has arisen, with many educators increasingly scouring social media for resources and information. Drawing upon research demonstrating how social media shape teachers’ instruction and understandings of the profession, our study uses content analysis to examine how educators participate in a Facebook group to understand the SOR. Findings indicate participants minimally engaged in the group. Participants frequently requested information about phonics-related materials, but rarely posted about content or pedagogical knowledge. Almost no empirical support for effectiveness of named materials was provided. While Facebook groups may be helpful for developing community, they do not yet serve to function as reliable means for bolstering professionalism.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.3102/2097824