Science and Literacy Integration with Dr. Miranda Fitzgerald

In this episode, we (Mark Raffler and Sarah Shoemaker) connect with Dr. Miranda Fitzgerald, an assistant professor of literacy education in the department of reading and elementary education at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is a former special education teacher whose teaching and research focus on elementary-grade literacy instruction. Miranda's research examines the design and implementation of curriculum materials and instruction that promote literacy development and knowledge building. She is especially interested in investigating curriculum  and instruction that integrate literacy and science learning. This focus is the topic of our podcast today. 

Here is a quick brief of our conversation:

Sarah starts the dialogue with Dr. Fitzgerald by prompting her to tell us about the current research in science and literacy integration.   She shares that integrated instruction builds science content knowledge, supports learning of science vocabulary, and supports reading comprehension.  It also fosters reading motivation and engagement.  Dr. Fitzgerald goes into depth about cross-content integration is really beneficial on a multi-faceted level.

 Mark adds to the dialogue by asking:  “What might science and literacy integration look like in the classroom?” Dr. Fitzgerald describes the MLPBL (Multiple Literacies in Project-Based Learning) open access curriculum as she talks about science and literacy integration in the classroom.  

Sarah responds:  “What might we need to be mindful of when considering science and literacy integration?”  Dr. Fitzgerald reminds us that literacy is broadly conceived in this integration.  Leading with science is crucial here.  It is so much more than reading texts.  Dr. Fitzgerald reminds us that science provides a unique opportunity to represent thinking in a multitude of ways.  Science happens in a lot of places, not just in a lab.  Think first about 3-dimensional science goals, then integrate literacy practices of scientists and engineers and how they’ll fit with the science learning.

Mark prompts:  “Talk to us about the role of science and literacy integration in creating equitable learning opportunities for all.”  Dr. Fitzgerald references the National Academies report entitled Science and Engineering in Preschool Through Elementary Grades:  The Brillance of Children and the Strengths of Educators that calls for all kids to have access to high-quality science and engineering practices in the earliest grades.   The Brillance and Strengths report has four specific recommendations.  Listen to Dr. Fitzgerald detail these recommendations in the LLCN Brief podcast.

Following our normal podcast protocol, we ask for resources for educators to learn more about science and literacy integration and encourage Dr. Fitzgerald to highlight some departing words for our listeners.

We wrap up this episode by asking listeners to share your thoughts on podcast topics - your voice matters!  Please visit bit.ly/LLCNtopics to tell us what you want future podcasts to focus on in relation to literacy.  

All resources in this LLCN Brief (and future podcasts) can be found at:  bit.ly/LLCNresources2324  Subscribe to the Literacy Leadership and Coaches Network podcasts here: anchor.fm/llcnbrief or your favorite podcast platform.

Please note the audio used as an introduction and in transitions in this podcast is under the Creative Common License and attribution is given as follows:Medicine by WinnieTheMoogLink: https://filmmusic.io/song/6256-medicineLicense: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/