Studies what inferences test-takers make as they struggle to match their expectations for an answer with the choices offered in a multiple-choice question. Finds that the 27 types of inferences observed within the metacognitive, cognitive, and affective interactions displayed during these protocols suggested a wealth of activity and thought. (MG)

Reviews research concerning computer-based reading instruction for college students. Finds that most studies suggest that computers can provide motivating and efficient learning, but it is not clear whether the computer, or the instruction via computer, accounts for student gains. Notes many methodological flaws in the studies. Suggests…

This interview, with one of the most influential professors in the field of developmental education and study skills, reviews the state of reading study skills as they apply to college students. Also discusses the new sixth edition of his book, "How to Study in College." (SL)

Reports an evaluation of factual study questions as a component of an introductory psychology course taught to developmental students with a computer-assisted, mastery learning teaching method based on Keller's (1968) Personalized System of Instruction (PSI). Recommends that instructors of introductory courses, especially those that serve…

Maintains that graduate and undergraduate students need to be taught how to read literature critically if they are to practice other forms of criticism successfully. States that job candidates who seem to enjoy reading literature and who demonstrate an ability and an interest in teaching reading are difficult to find. (TB)

Examines one aspect of the second language reading process: the nature of the concepts of "difficulty" and "ease" within a schema-theoretic perspective. Addresses this topic through L2 reading at the university or adult level. Proposes a number of hypotheses suggested by both the empirical and pedagogical literature that will…

A study examined the extent of peer tutors' awareness of reading comprehension problems as a source of academic difficulties. The study, conducted in the spring of 1996, used a questionnaire to determine some of the reading habits of peer tutors and their perceptions of reading comprehension difficulties among students they tutored. The…

Based on the premise that reading teachers have a wealth of creative ideas about what to teach and how to teach it effectively, this book contains the most used and useful lists for classroom teachers gathered together in a desktop reference format. First published in 1984, this third edition of the book includes expanded versions of, and…

Presents the results of three experiments designed to test the acoustic scanning hypothesis for reading in a number of ways and to look at the cross-out procedure as a test of syntactic processing. (RB)

A study examined the effect of amount of intervening text on the detection of semantic inconsistencies and use of strategic backtracking, by competent and less competent college readers. Data were elicited from 40 undergraduate students (selected on the basis of their high or low scores on a variety of instruments) enrolled in an introductory…

If people can evoke mental images when listening to a story, they can extend the process by turning words on a printed page into speech and evoke images for the "speech on the page." This is an exercise for reading comprehension that does not come naturally but can be worked on deliberately. A few moments of self-observation, when…

A relationship exists between the three-year WARRANT project, created to design and implement a computer system to deliver a college freshman curriculum in the skills of reading, writing, and thinking, and the theory and practice of curriculum-building. The goal of the project is to create an interdisciplinary sequence of courses in critical…

To find out what study skills were used by successful students at an urban commuter school whose primary degree program is business, the College Reading and Study Skills (CRSS) inventory was validated on 150 students. First the CRSS inventory was evaluated and revised slightly. The language of the statements was made positive and jargon free. The…

The theoretical language-skills model of James Britton can be used to explain the usefulness of reading instruction in developing competence in writing at the college level. Britton's model of writing, adjusted for mature writers, involves four stages: prewriting, writing, reconsidering, and editing. The first two stages, prewriting and writing,…

The development of rapid word processing skills was investigated using a visual search task. Visual displays of varying orthographic structure (words, pseudowords, nonwords) were presented to college students and to kindergarten, second-grade, and fourth-grade children. Response latencies were measured as subjects indicated whether a previously…