Episode 2 – Why Reading Fluency Matters: The Problem Behind the Research

Episode 2 – Why Reading Fluency Matters: The Problem Behind the ResearchIn this episode of Education Unlocked — Learn. Apply. Thrive., Marc Pietersen explores the real classroom problem that led to his action research: low reading fluency among Year 6 EAL learners and the impact this has on comprehension, confidence, and engagement.Marc unpacks why fluency is more than just reading speed, drawing on classroom observations and research to explain how weak fluency acts as a barrier to understanding. Using Timothy Rasinski’s concept of fluency as the bridge between decoding and comprehension, this episode highlights why students who can read accurately may still struggle to make meaning from text.You’ll also hear about the international school context, the challenges faced by EAL learners, and why traditional reading approaches were not enough — leading to the need for a targeted, tech-supported intervention.Whether you teach literacy, support EAL learners, or want to strengthen foundational reading skills, this episode will help you reflect on where fluency fits within your own classroom practice.Learn. Apply. Thrive.Key reference discussed in this episode:Rasinski, T. (2004). Fluency: The bridge between decoding and comprehension.https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/fluency/articles/fluency-bridge-decoding-and-comprehensionAbout the Podcast Education Unlocked supports teachers in building confidence, clarity, and classroom impact through research-informed, practical strategies. Hosted by Marc Pietersen, this podcast bridges the gap between theory and practice — helping teachers thrive, one lesson at a time. If this episode helped you reflect or refine your practice, consider following the podcast or sharing it with a colleague. Learn. Apply. Thrive.

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