Use of the Optacon, a reading aid for the blind, was explored in regard to user occupations, factors affecting reading speed, and how the machine is used on the job. Data were obtained from a survey of 250 Optacon users; from statistical analyses of information gathered about 41 Optacon trainers; and from a telephone survey of 17 blind people in…

The development of oral reading speed in the early elementary years and an examination of some underlying abilities that may be involved in individual differences in reading speed and ability are the concerns of this study. Cross-sectional and longitudinal data relating the time required to read orally 50 unrelated letters, 50 unrelated words, and…

The effect on reading speed of the number of target items being searched for and the number of target occurrences in the text was examined. The subjects, 24 college undergraduate volunteers, were presented with a list of target words, and then they read a passage for comprehension which contained occurrences of the target words (Experiment1) or…

The latest thinking on reading rate and flexibility is discussed in this paper. Included are highlights of the recently completed reading rate portion of the National Assessment of Educational Progress. The current state of knowledge is assessed and promising research and useful writings in English and Spanish are cited. (Author/WR) Aspect of…

Reviews materials on speed reading located in the ERIC data base. (MKM)

Describes methods for increasing the reading fluency of slow readers; presents a step-by-step method for developing fluency through oral reading. (MAI)

Because of technical advances and changing attitudes, hearing-impaired persons can now enjoy films and TV programs that their handicap had previously denied them. (Editor)

An alternative to readability formulas and achievement tests to let high school students read orally and then recount what they read. Vocabulary scores and oral reading rates were demonstrated as the best predictors of test performance with a minimum oral reading rate of 135 words per minute necessary to profit from textbooks. (Author/DB)

Analysis of late-blind Norwegian adults' (N=35) reading rates (texts and single words) in contracted and uncontracted Braille revealed that: rates were higher for reading contracted versions of text and single words, and highest for contracted single words. "Slow" readers saved more time when reading texts which frequently used…

Describes a study conducted by Ron Carver that compared the reading rate and comprehension of speed readers with superior readers. (HOD)

Reading rates and comprehension measures that probed recognition of various levels of text structure were collected for passages read orally and silently by 16 college students. Results showed that memory traces of text microstructure created in oral reading were accessed faster during memory-based comprehension tasks than traces established by…

A study investigated whether sustained silent reading encourages college students to increase their reading rate. Subjects were 76 education majors or students otherwise interested in teaching who were enrolled in an undergraduate course in teaching reading/language arts in a university in the southeastern United States. Subjects recorded their…

Questions the usefulness of oral reading for adequately evaluating the progress of a learner, providing valuable practice in reading, or entertaining others. (TO)

In one of several 2-week workshops, 35 blind and visually handicapped persons increased their braille reading speed from an average of 138 words per minute (wpm) to 710 wpm. (Author)