ABSTRACT
The Coventry Technique has been used successfully with slow learners in primary, secondary, day and residential ESN (M) and the former approved schools. It is set out in detail which is relevant to very backward, slow-learning pupils, but steps may be reduced or combined to meet the needs of less retarded pupils. 'A teaching method for non-readers', which circulated among advanced students at Coventry College of Education. It was found to be incorporated in the reading schemes of some project schools as well as in advice sheets issued by some advisory services. However, the basic principle of the technique is the involvement of the pupil in his own learning, and he must understand both the technique itself and the reading process. The guiding principle of the programme is that reading must start within the interests of the individual pupil, and use the vocabulary which he employs in everyday conversation.
