From Oxford to Every Classroom: The Truth About Reading Instruction

On the Clock

In this episode of On The Clock, host Todd Dallas Lamb welcomes Dr. Charles Hulme, professor emeritus at Oxford University and one of the foundational voices behind the modern Science of Reading movement. With wit, humility, and deep scientific insight, Dr. Hulme traces the origins of the now widely adopted phrase “science of reading,” and explores how decades of research into how children learn to read are reshaping classrooms worldwide.

Dr. Hulme discusses the cognitive mechanics behind literacy—drawing clear distinctions between reading for decoding and reading for comprehension—and explains why phonics remains a non-negotiable starting point for literacy instruction. He also dives into the emotional and lifelong consequences of reading struggles, particularly how early language deficits can spiral into academic underachievement, social isolation, and mental health issues.

The episode goes beyond theory. Hulme describes his work with OxEd, the Oxford University spinout he founded to bring evidence-based reading and language tools into schools. With over two-thirds of English schools using their assessments, OxEd exemplifies how rigorous research can drive practical, scalable solutions in education.

Todd and Dr. Hulme also touch on everything from educational funding in the UK to regional accents in America—ending with a heartwarming childhood anecdote about a chance encounter with a shoe repairman who sparked young Charles’s fascination with psychology.

Key Moments

04:39 Oxford Experience and Educational Journey

07:03 Rethinking Dyslexia: Language Roots

12:52 Dyslexia Severity Compared to Hypertension

14:15 Oxford Research Spinout Company

19:44 "Advocating Science in Education"

22:50 Early Encounter with Psychology

26:11 Language Development in Babies

28:28 "Honoring Charles' Educational Impact"

Connect with Dr. Charles Hulme

LinkedIn: https://uk.linkedin.com/in/charles-hulme-7a1846165

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