There are three purposes of this paper, the first of which is to elucidate the theory and principles underlying extensive reading. Long-held principles will be discussed in light of practical classroom and contextual considerations. Secondly, a critical summary of current research on extensive reading that has been conducted in English as a Second…

Research has shown a wide range of learning benefits accruing from extensive reading. Not only is there improvement in reading, but also in a wide range of language uses and areas of language knowledge. However, few research studies have examined reading speed. The existing literature on reading speed focused on students' reading speed without…

A study was conducted to examine the relationship of reading rate to comprehension on material read with a pacer and without a pacer. Two hundred paired scores were obtained in a college reading and study skills course in which students read both paced and nonpaced material alternately during class time and recorded their rate and comprehension…

The purpose of this study was to determine if phrase reading training with fourth graders would significantly enhance the development of reading skills for the purposes of obtaining and using new information. Forty fourth grade classrooms were assigned at random to five groups: 5,000 phrase group, 10,000 phrase group, 15,000 phrase group, 20,000…

Investigates whether a freshman reading improvement training program will produce gains in reading rate (normal reading rate, not skimming). Finds positive results for the program. (SR)

The reading rates achieved by first graders taught reading by the Listen Look Learn (LLL) materials and procedures were compared to available norms of children who have had no instrument use as a part of their reading instruction. In the LLL program the Aud-X, Tach-X, and Controlled Reader Instruments were used to increase sight vocabulary,…

The essential point of this article is the value of reading comprehension as compared to the value of reading rate. (RK)

Examines the efficacy of a computer assisted instruction system designed to help junior high school remedial reading students increase their reading motivation by immediately providing definitions for unknown words. Finds that the program increases students' reading rates and actively engages students in reading novels. (RS)

An investigation was conducted to determine whether differing schedules of reading practice had a significant effect on the reading achievement of male college students enrolled in a developmental reading course. Subjects were 80 male students at Central State College, Edmond, Oklahoma. Pretest and post-test results were compared. The Nelson-Denny…

Examines three studies related to the reading achievement of hearing-impaired students. (VJ)

Reports an investigation of the effectiveness of "Speedway: The Action Way to Read" in increasing the reading rate and efficiency of adult readers. (FL)

This study determined the effectiveness of a rapid reading program in improving comprehension and rate of approximately 300 fifth and seventh grade students. Repeated measures analyses of variance were used to compare changes in rate and comprehension during an eight week rapid reading program with three groups of students: those instructed by a…