Abstract of

Everybody's Selling It—But Just What Is Explicit, Systematic Phonics Instruction?

Heidi Anne E. Mesmer

Priscilla L. Griffith

The authors define phonics as a system for encoding speech sounds into written symbols and for teaching learners to use the relationship between letters and sounds to recognize words. The origin of the term explicit, systematic phonics is traced historically through studies and reviews of phonics instruction and policy documents.

Results from a teacher survey highlighted the multifaceted nature of systematic and explicit instruction and led the authors to propose the following definition: Explicit, systematic phonics instruction is instruction matched to students' developmental levels. It incorporates a scope and sequence for content delivery and a variety of word-study activities. Such instruction promotes student engagement and accountability through direct teaching.

Abstract from Mesmer, H.E., & Griffith, P.L. (2005, December). Everybody's Selling It—But Just What Is Explicit, Systematic Phonics Instruction?. The Reading Teacher, 59(4), 366–376. doi: 10.1598/RT.59.4.6