| If we set reading instruction criterion as to cultivate modern citizens, it was just a little over 100 years that the US completed its change from classical reading to contemporary reading instruction system. The publication of Noah Webster's 3 great reading text books in 1785 marked this transition, for we all know Webster's Dictionary was the celebrity's master piece.To re-evaluate this period of American history is to remedy our defect:although we Chinese have made substantial researches about modern American reading instruction, to the source of which, we haven't exactly sought after. From collecting to analyzing various historical documents, this essay tries its best to reveal the general development of American reading instruction trend, in order that we can draw inspiration from it.The time span of this study contains the colonial period of North America and the early period from the establishment of the United States till the year 1840. The content includes the background of American education, the reading materials and the teaching idea through reading. The background stands for the major educational system and its concrete practice, as well as circumstances in schools. As for the reading materials, this essay does not only examine the feature and status of them, but also explain deeply into the details of some well-known historical articles and books. The part of reaching through reading instruction divides in 2 aspects:one is the ideas of reading instruction; the other is the real reading course and the reading methods. In the conclusion chapter, mainly from some early reading data and teaching ideas in reading, the author especially points out their revelation to the reading education of China today.A famous American writer once said, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." The author hopes his effort in this study will bring new perspectives for our teaching work and research in reading education. |
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