ERIC Number: EJ790072
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007
Pages: 10
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0034-0510
EISSN: N/A
What Role Does Schema Play in Preparing Minority Postbaccalaureate Students for the Reading Comprehension Section of the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)?
Paul, Gina; Verhulst, Steve
Reading Improvement, v44 n4 p207-216 Win 2007
Problem: Minority students often score lower than majority students on the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) Verbal Reasoning section. Method: To determine what role schema plays in reading comprehension in 64 adult minority students, the Treatment group viewed a slide presentation regarding a topic that both groups would be tested on in a simulated MCAT using a retired MCAT exam. Both groups were given a survey after taking the exam. Results: Significant differences for understanding, visualization, and perceived difficulty were observed between groups. Additionally, the Treatment group scored higher than the Control group and the recorded national average. Open-ended answers reflected the Treatment groups' ability to visualize information and ease of reading. Conclusion: Building schemas are important for developing reading skills in minorities. (Contains 2 tables.)
Descriptors: Control Groups, Reading Comprehension, Reading Skills, College Admission, Minority Groups, Reading Instruction, Medical Education, Medical Schools, College Entrance Examinations, Role Perception, Graduate Study, Self Concept, Association (Psychology), Student Surveys
Project Innovation, Inc. P.O. Box 8508 Spring Hill Station, Mobile, AL 36689-0508. Tel: 251-343-1878; Fax: 251-343-1878; Web site: http://www.projectinnovation.biz/ri.html
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Assessments and Surveys: Medical College Admission Test
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A