What educational approach did Anna Gillingham and Bessie Stillman develop in the 1930s?

Anna Gillingham and Bessie Stillman developed the Orton-Gillingham approach in the 1930s, which is a structured, multi-sensory method aimed primarily at teaching reading to individuals with dyslexia and other learning difficulties. This approach emphasizes phonics instruction and systematically teaches the relationships between letters and sounds. It integrates visual, auditory, and kinesthetic experiences to help learners understand and retain the connections essential for reading proficiency.

The significance of the Orton-Gillingham approach lies in its personalized and diagnostic nature, allowing educators to tailor their instruction based on the specific needs of each student. This method has since become a foundational strategy in special education for teaching literacy skills.

In contrast, the other choices represent different educational philosophies. The Whole Language approach focuses on reading and writing in a more holistic manner without explicit phonics instruction. The Montessori method emphasizes child-led learning in a prepared environment, and the Constructivist approach centers around learners actively constructing their understanding through experiences. Each of these methods differs fundamentally from the systematic, structured framework that characterizes the Orton-Gillingham approach.