A recent “MTSU On the Record” radio program stressed the importance of expanding children’s vocabularies to help them become better readers.

Dr. Eric Osland

Host Gina Logue’s interview with Dr. Eric Oslund, an assistant professor of elementary and secondary education, first aired Sept. 19 on WMOT-FM/Roots Radio 89.5 and www.wmot.org. You can listen to their conversation below.

Oslund, who also works in MTSU’s doctoral program in literary studies, co-authored the research published in the academic journal “Learning and Individual Difference” with four colleagues.

The study analyzed how vocabulary influences the reading comprehension of seventh- and eighth-graders who come from low-income families that qualify for free or reduced-price school meals.

“I think we need to dedicate resources that people from low SES (socioeconomic status) backgrounds may not have: programs that get books into their hands that cover a variety of topics and training parents or teaching parents on the importance of talking to their children, exposing them to as many words as possible,” said Oslund.

To hear previous “MTSU On the Record” programs, visit the searchable “Audio Clips” archives at www.mtsunews.com.

For more information about “MTSU On the Record,” contact Logue at 615-898-5081 or WMOT-FM at 615-898-2800.