Background: Extensive second language (L2) reading research has examined the effects of comprehension strategies on comprehension performance. Often ignored, however, is the potential impact of comprehension measures that differ in cognitive complexity, which might cause potential bias when interpreting the (in)effectiveness of comprehension…

This article reports on the evaluation of an extensive reading programme in primary schools in Malawi, one of the poorest countries in Africa. The programme involved the delivery of book boxes at Years 4 and 5 to every Malawian primary school. Summative evaluation was achieved through baseline and project-end testing, with observations and…

Although there have been extensive theoretical discussions on the various reading skills needed in academic situations, empirical investigations on this topic are scarce. There is even much less research on the latent structure underlying those skill needs. This study attempts to fill this gap by investigating the perceived factorial structure of…

Illustrates the findings of a survey of reading frequency and attitudes related to extensive reading in English. Finds a negative correlation between the number of years of past English study and reading attitude. Notes that these findings are useful for defining appropriate instructional actions and identifying areas for further research with…

Investigates whether a three-month extensive reading program involving graded readers could improve English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) learners' second language competence. Finds improvement in reading and writing skills and a simpler but more correct use of syntax in the second language. (RS)

Second language (L2) reading research suggests that there is a complex interplay between L2 proficiency, first language (L1) reading and L2 reading. However, not much is known about the effect of L1 proficiency on L1 reading, and of L1 reading on L2 reading, or vice versa, in bilingual settings when readers have few opportunities for extensive…

Background: Paired Reading (PR), Neurological Impress Method (NIM), Dyad Reading (DR), and Read Two Impress (R2I) share a fundamental trait -- paired synchronous oral reading between a higher-level tutor and a lower-level tutee. Collectively, we refer to these practices as Synchronous Paired Oral Reading Techniques (SPORT). This historical…

A defining feature of language lies in its capacity to represent meaning across oral and written forms. Morphemes, the smallest units of meaning in a language, are the fundamental building blocks that encode meaning, and morphological skills enable their effective use in oral and written language. Increasing evidence indicates that morphological…

Low-achieving adolescents are known to have difficulties with reading comprehension. This article discusses how reciprocal teaching can improve low-achieving adolescents' reading comprehension in whole-classroom settings (as opposed to small-group settings) and to what extent intervention effects are dependent on teacher behaviour. Over the course…

Compares the performance of Spanish children with and without reading disabilities on a single word naming task which required extensive phonological computation. Supports the hypothesis that poor phonological skills are a characteristic of reading disabled children. (RS)