What Does the Term Whole Language Mean? Constructing a Definition from the Literature

Abstract

The present study analyzed 64 articles pertaining to whole-language instruction in elementary classrooms in order to compile a definition for this term.

Differential Effects of Whole Language and Traditional Instruction on Reading Attitudes

“…In Experiment 2, Bergeron's (1990) definition was used, with additional constraints, to identify a third whole-language school, meeting more specific criteria. All students in Grades 1-5 (Afc=713) were compared with the original basal group.…”

“…The focus was on the identification of a more appropriate representation of whole language, and rigorous criteria were applied in the process of selecting the WLP schools. Bergeron (1990) examined the whole-language literature in an effort to derive a consensus definition of the concept. Although she failed in that effort, she was able to distill a list of characteristics that appear to have garnered wide support within the whole-language community.…”

“…The possibility that whole language had been too broadly defined was addressed in a second study. In Experiment 2, Bergeron's (1990) definition was used to identify a third whole-language school, meeting more specific criteria. All students in Grades 1-5 (N=713) were compared with the original basal group.…”

“…Research into this question has been clouded by issues of definition (Bergeron, 1990;McKenna, Robinson, & Miller, 1990a, 1994a, research methodology (Edelsky, 1990;Goodman, 1989Goodman, , 1992Weaver, 1989), and lack of demonstrable advantages (Stahl, McKenna, & Pagnucco, 1994;Stahl & Miller, 1989). McKenna et al (1990a), however, have suggested that WLP would not need to evidence a clear-cut superiority in terms of achievement if a significant enhancement of students' attitudes toward reading could be demonstrated.…”

Learning to Read with the Whole Language Approach: The Teacher’s View

“…Learners are presented with whole and natural language (Bergeron, 1990). The philosophy of whole language approach is complex and draws on fields such as education, linguistics, psychology, sociology, and anthropology (Jeynes & Littell, 2000;Juel & Minden-Cupp, 2000).…”