Connections between First- and Second-Language Reading

This study builds upon previous research examining the relationship between first-language (L1) reading, second-language (L2) knowledge, and L2 reading. The unique contributions of L1 reading, L2 vocabulary, and L2 grammatical skill to L2 reading scores are investigated along with whether or not the contributions differ by course level. Subjects included 131 students (88 beginners and 43 upper level) enrolled in French at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Data were analyzed using multiple regression. Two programs were run for each subject group because L1 reading was measured using two different tests—recall protocols and the comprehension portion of the Nelson Denny Test. All of the independent variables contributed significantly for beginners, but did so for the upper level subjects only when L1 protocols were used as the reading measure. Typically, L1 reading contributed substantially, particularly for the upper level group, supporting Cummins's (1981) Hypothesis. This study demonstrates the importance of L1 reading and L2 knowledge to L2 reading comprehension.

Reading is Seeing: Using Visual Response to Improve the Literary Reading of Reluctant Readers

This study compared the responses of two highly reluctant learning-disabled readers before and after they were helped to visualize story situations and events through visual art. These visual art procedures included the reading of illustrated books, the use of visual protocols, and the creation of symbolic story representations, illustrated books, collages, and picture maps regarding their reading. Data gathered from the students were subjected to ethnographic analysis, including preliminary and systematic domain searches, to reveal codes and themes. Data revealed that the use of visual art helped these two readers to begin enjoying reading, and to begin evoking and manipulating story worlds in their minds. The treatments encouraged the students not only to “see” what they were reading, but also to make other response moves involving emotional affect, connecting their own life to the literary experience, and the consideration of significance. Most importantly, perhaps, these students began to participate in the classroom community through their artwork.

Linking Reading with Meaning: A Case Study of a Hyperlexic Reader

The research presented in this paper is a two-part case study of a 14-year-old mentally handicapped girl, Rachelle, who is hyperlexic. That is, she is able to easily decode the printed word, yet has great difficulty comprehending what she has read. We describe the characteristics of hyperlexia in a diagnostic case study of Rachelle and then outline an instructional program, implemented over a 1 1/2-year period, which we based on current research and theory about the normal processes of reading and learning. Using a learner-centered, literature-based approach, we directed instruction toward helping Rachelle to connect reading with making meaning. Her reading and writing competency and attitudes improved steadily throughout the intervention, as shown through collected work samples and a variety of assessment procedures. We suggest that instruction for hyperlexics and for all readers should focus on linking reading with meaning.

Using Audiotaped Books to Extend Classroom Literacy Instruction into the Homes of Second-Language Learners

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether home-based repeated reading with an audio model is a significant supplement to the literacy instructional program of second-language learners. It was hypothesized that beginning first-grade readers who spoke English as a second language would benefit from having daily access to repeated reading in their home environment. To provide this access, books that had been shared in school were given to students for daily home use. After home rereading routines were established, students were then given a tape recorder and audiotapes to accompany these books. This enabled students to hear the English storybook as they followed along looking at the printed text. Of specific interest in this study was the effect of repeated reading with an auditory model on first-grade students' reading fluency and self-monitoring behavior. Also of interest was the effect of this school/home reading activity on student reading motivation and behavior. This 19-week study employed a single-subject reversal design (ABA) with multiple baselines across individuals. Home-based repeated reading of books (A/Baseline) was compared to the home reading of books with audiotapes (B/Intervention). The study involved a single subject and four replications. Results from this study indicate that all five participating second-language learners received substantial benefit from the opportunity to practice reading books

Evaluating the Effects of Training High School Students to use Summarization When Training Includes Analogically Similar Information

The present study investigated the impact of instructing high school students to summarize by comparing students taught to summarize versus those who received no formal instruction. To test whether the amount of detail in the study material affected the content of summaries, some students were provided with elaborated text and others were given condensed text. Additionally, performance was compared for students who were trained using information that was analogous and transferable to study passages versus students who were not exposed to analogous materials. The effects of these manipulations were assessed through written summaries produced by students, free recall and performance measures. The most important finding was that the students experienced some benefit from explicit instruction in summarization skills, including greater strategic knowledge about the structure of summaries and modest achievement gains.