[095] ‘MTSU On the Record’ increases its word power with professor’s research

MURFREESBORO — The next “MTSU On the Record” radio program will stress the importance of expanding children’s vocabularies to help them become better readers.

Host Gina Logue’s interview with Eric Oslund, an assistant professor of elementary and secondary education, will air at the program’s new times, 8 to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19, and 6 and 6:30 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, on WMOT-FM/Roots Radio 89.5 and www.wmot.org.

Oslund, who also works in the doctorate in literary studies program, 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, go to http://bit.ly/mtsu-otr.

For more information, contact Logue at 615-898-5081 or WMOT-FM at 615-898-2800.