Guided reading is a common component of literacy instruction in elementary
classrooms. The purpose of this research was to examine multiple areas of guided
reading from the perspective of teachers who were using guided reading in their
classrooms. Knowledge and beliefs, grouping, management and organization,
dialogue, and assessment issues were the five instructional topics of guided reading
that were investigated using a mixed methods approach. The research was carried out
in a single school division located in northern Alberta and involved Kindergarten –
Grade 3 language arts teachers.
Survey data collected from 27 respondents were analyzed using an
interpretational focus. The data were coded and categorized using the five identified
instructional topics as a framework. Common themes and patterns of response were
identified for each instructional topic. The survey findings were then used to generate
a focus group agenda. The transcripts of three focus group sessions that involved 16
teacher participants were also analyzed using an interpretational focus.
The findings of the study suggested that guided reading is an important
component of early language arts instruction for the teachers who participated in this research. Two types of guided reading instruction were identified: a small group
guided reading approach (Fountas & Pinnell, 1996) and a Four Blocks approach to
guided reading (Cunningham, Hall, & Defee, 1991). The teacher participants
identified a wide variety of goals and purposes in using guided reading. The grouping
practices of the teachers shared some similarities and many teachers indicated that
they used a variety of sources of information to determine students’ placement in
guided reading groups. Repeatedly, the survey and focus group participants
communicated how their guided reading instruction was affected by their perceptions
of differences among students and classes as affecting their guided reading
instruction.
The teachers indicated that their continuous attempts to maintain balance and
focus during guided reading instruction also affected their organization and
management. The teachers’ responses to survey items and focus group questions that
addressed dialogue also focused on maintaining balance and focus during guided
reading instruction. The teachers also discussed how they used dialogue for
instructional purposes and commented on their ability to maintain balance and focus
during the discussions during guided reading lessons. Many teachers indicated that
they used running records to inform their guided reading instruction. Various other
assessment tools that are consistent with an assessment for learning focus were also
identified by the teacher participants. Overall, many of the findings suggested that
individual teachers have adapted their guided reading practices to such an extent that
they are no longer consistent with a single guided reading approach. The findings of
the research indicated a need for teachers the have opportunities to engage in
reflective activities with respect to their guided reading practices.