This collection of abstracts is part of a continuing series providing information on recent doctoral dissertations. Among the topics covered in the 26 titles are the following: self concept and reading achievement; eye movement patterns and reading ability; psychological and neuropsychological measures of performance of children with variations in…

THE EXTENSION OF THE CONCEPT OF READINESS INTO EDUCATION EARLIER IN THIS CENTURY RESULTED IN STUDIES WHICH CONCLUDED THAT CHILDREN ARE NOT READY TO READ UNTIL A MENTAL AGE OF 6.5. BUT ACTUAL RESEARCH ON PRESCHOOL READING WAS, AS OF 1957, EXTREMELY LIMITED. TWO LONGITUDINAL STUDIES WERE UNDERTAKEN TO REMEDY THIS LACK. BOTH STUDIES SOUGHT TO…

A total of 138 middle-class first graders in two parochial schools were studied to determine whether a phonics reading approach was superior to a contextual reading approach in reading achievement, whether auditory learners achieve in reading to a greater extent than visual learners, and whether auditory or visual learners achieve in one program…

The main purpose of this study was to measure the effectiveness of two different methods of instruction on community college students' achievement in the mechanics of composition (capitalization, punctuation, and grammar/usage) and spelling. This study was also concerned with changes in self-esteem, attitudes toward the method used in each plan,…

The purpose of this study was to investigate factors relating to the achievement of reading gains for junior college students. The specific objectives were to determine which of 10 independent variables were most highly related to and predictive of residual reading gain; to formulate and validate a predicting equation based on measures of relevant…

A study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of oral language responses as predictors of the reading performance of intermediate-grade students. Responses were considered to be paradigmatic if they illustrated superordinate, coordinate, contrast, or part-whole relationships. Other responses were considered syntagmatic. Subjects were 52 fourth…

A Right to Read Program was given major emphasis for the 1971-72 school year by the Union Free School District (New York). Every teacher devoted an additional 110 minutes weekly to the program which involved about 400 of the nearly 2500 pupils in grades 2 through 8. The objectives fell into two categories: to improve basic reading skills and to…

This is the fifth report describing notable reading projects funded under Title Two of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The project descriptions were supplied by ESEA Title Two coordinators and media supervisors in the State departments of education for Arkansas, California, Georgia, Guam, Maryland, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York,…

Results from the first and second rounds of the reading assessment conducted by the National Assessment of Educational Progress are discussed and compared, with conclusions based on comments by a panel of six reading specialists. Changes in reading ability between the 1970-1971 and 1974-1975 school years are dependent on the age of the pupils and…

Investigates college students' ability to monitor learner-controlled vocabulary instruction when performed in traditional workbook-like tasks and in two different computer-based formats: video game and text game exercises. Suggests that developmental reading students are unable to monitor their own vocabulary development accurately. (MM)

Examines a remedial reading program for grades 4 and 5. Claims that a reading program featuring oral language, good children's literature, interesting reading activities, writing, and attractive reading incentives in an informal classroom structure can change negative reading attitudes and improve reading abilities. (MM)

Compared to classmates with low and average reading achievement, 32 intermediate-grade students with learning disabilities (LD) had lower peer acceptance, lower feelings of self-worth, fewer positive nominations, and more negative self-perceptions regarding social acceptance. Different patterns of social and behavioral functioning distinguished LD…

Argues there is reason for more optimism concerning the effects of reading to preschoolers than suggested by the Scarborough and Dobrich review in this issue (PS522390). Discusses methodological problems in many studies; cites studies indicating direct and indirect links between reading to preschoolers and reading achievement, suggesting that…

Examines the reading attainment levels of a group of elementary students who had either experienced nursery, day care, or no preschool provision outside the home. Compares pupils' scores on reading tests over four years. Although the results were inconclusive they suggest positive reading attainment outcomes related to preschool experience. (MJP)

Discusses instructional psychology and teaching reading. Focuses on Early Reading Research (ERR), a 2-year study following a sample of 433 children as they progress from reception into Year 1. Reports on the first year of research when children were in either six experimental classes (implementing ERR reading framework) or six comparison schools.…