The purpose of this study was to determine if a difference existed between TCAP scores of students who used the Accelerated Reader (AR) program and students who used Sustained Silent Reading strategy (SSR) as measured by the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP). The variables of grade level (6th, 7th, and 8th), gender, and socioeconomic status (free- or reduced- price meals program) were considered. The population consisted of 108 6th graders who attended a Cocke County school or a McMinn County school in Tennessee. Data were obtained from the TCAP for 3 consecutive years beginning in 2004-2005 for students who completed the tests all 3 years. A t test for independent samples and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to determine if there was a difference on associations and interactions between variables. The researcher's investigation of the reading achievement of students who used Accelerated Reader and those who used Sustained Silent Reading should assist educators in planning for supplemental reading instruction. The information gathered from this research might be beneficial to other school systems when determining which method of reading instruction to use to increase students' reading achievement. The findings indicated the students who used the Accelerated Reader program had an increase in reading-language arts scale scores for 3 consecutive years. The findings of this study also revealed that gender had no significance on student achievement for 6th graders. The findings did indicate a significant interaction between gender and type of program used during 7th and 8th grades. Females who used the Accelerated Reader program outscored males who used the program. The findings of this study also determined that socioeconomic status had no association with TCAP scores during the 6th, 7th, or 8th grades.

Throughout its empirical research history eye movement research has always been aware of the differences in reading behavior induced by individual differences and task demands. This work introduces a novel comprehensive concept of reading strategy, comprising individual differences in reading style and reading skill as well as reader goals. In a series of sentence reading experiments recording eye movements, the influence of reading strategies on reader- and word-level effects assuming distributed processing has been investigated. Results provide evidence for strategic, top-down influences on eye movement control that extend our understanding of eye guidance in reading. / Seit Beginn der Blickbewegungsforschung beim Lesen ist man sich über Unterschiede im Blickverhalten bewusst, die im Zusammenhang mit individuellen Unterschieden oder Aufgabenanforderungen stehen. Unter dem Begriff ‚Lesestrategie’ wurden diese Unterschiede hauptsächlich für diagnostische Zwecke verwendet. Diese Studie verwendet eine neue, umfassende Definition von Lesestrategie und berücksichtigt sowohl individuelle Unterschiede in Lesestil und Lesevermögen als auch Ziel und Intention des Lesers. In einer Reihe von Satzleseexperimenten, bei denen die Blickbewegungen aufgezeichnet wurden, wurde der Einfluss von Lesestrategien auf Effekte der Leser-und Wortebene untersucht, wobei eine verteilte Verarbeitung beim Lesen angenommen wird. Die Ergebnisse liefern Evidenzen für strategische, top-down Einflüsse auf die Blickbewegungen und leisten einen wichtigen Beitrag für das bessere Verständnis der Blickbewegungskontrolle beim Lesen.

This study intends to find out the possible effects of cognitive and metacognitive reading strategy instruction at awareness-raising level on reading proficiency and strategy use. In the study both qualitative and quantitative data were utilized. The relevant data were obtained by means of think-aloud protocols, semi-structured interviews, the Strategy Inventory for Language Learning &ndash / SILL- (Oxford, 1990), learning diaries and the reading scores of students on a proficiency exam (COPE). A total of 24 students studying at Bilkent University School of English Language were involved in the study. The scores of the students who received the strategy instruction on the reading paper of COPE, and the scores of the students who were not subject to any strategy instruction were used to run a t-test so as to reveal whether there was a significant difference between these two sets of scores. The data that came from the think-aloud protocols, semi-structured interviews and learning diaries were analyzed so as to trace the type of strategies employed by the students and the frequency with which they were employed. The results did not indicate a statistically significant difference. It was also discovered that all students involved in the study had a tendency to use more cognitive strategies than metacognitive ones. The cognitive strategies were more varied with the group of students who received the strategy instruction.

A presente pesquisa tem por objetivo elaborar uma proposta de ensino de língua portuguesa que vise direcionar alunos do 9° ano do Ensino Fundamental II a aplicar estratégias de leitura tendo como foco o texto literário, mais especificamente a estratégia de observar as escolhas lexicais realizadas por um escritor, para que possam fazer uso dessas observações na interpretação textual. Para isso, partimos da análise das escolhas lexicais de Lygia Fagundes Telles, observando o papel dos recursos expressivos encontrados em três contos da autora: Natal na Barca, Verde Lagarto Amarelo e A caçada. Procurou-se dar ênfase ao papel das palavras que exercem função caracterizadora na construção de elementos descritivos nos contos literários estudados. Com base na análise estabelecida, apontam-se direcionamentos para a prática pedagógica, que visem repensar o ensino da língua presente nos currículos escolares atualmente, buscando-se observar estratégias do ensino da leitura que refletem sobre questões linguísticas, discursivas e estéticas do texto. Na análise dos contos, procurou-se mostrar como a construção da caracterização do ambiente e das personagens por meio das escolhas lexicais ajuda a criar a atmosfera do texto, imprimindo uma imagem que se agrega à produção de efeitos de sentido, assim como a averiguar como os elementos expressivos no texto podem colaborar com seu entendimento, possibilitando leitura crítica e apreciação estética. Para se atingir o objetivo proposto, esta pesquisa se baseou na Morfologia, na Lexicologia, na Estilística e na Semântica, tanto para a análise do corpus quanto para a elaboração da sequência didática. Após a aplicação da sequência didática em sala de aula, verificou-se que os estudantes têm dificuldade em sistematizar conceitos gramaticais e utilizá-los na análise textual. Pôde-se observar, ainda, que quando existe uma estratégia clara e delineada para o aluno, este pode ser conduzido a compreender um texto com mais autonomia. / This research aims to develop a Portuguese Language teaching proposal to direct students of 9th grade of elementary school to apply for reading strategies focusing on literary text, specifically the strategy to observe the lexical choices made by a writer, so that they can make use of these observations in textual interpretation. For this, we start from the analysis of lexical choices of Lygia Fagundes Telles, noticing the role of some expressive resources found in three short-stories by the author: Natal na barca, Verde lagarto amarelo and A caçada. The study of these short-stories tries to emphasize the role of words which have important functions in the construction of descriptive elements in the literary texts. The established analysis intends to give some directions to the pedagogical practice, rethinking the teaching of this language in school curriculum, seeking for reading and teaching strategies that could reflect on language, discursive and aesthetic issues in the text. In the analysis of the short-stories, we tried to show how the construction of the characterization of the environment and the characters help to create the atmosphere of the text. Resulting on an image that adds to the meaning of the text and its impression effect, and also find out how the expressive elements in the text can collaborate with their understanding, enabling critical reading abilities and aesthetic appreciation. To achieve this purpose, this research was based on Morphology, Lexicology, Stylistics and Semantics for the analysis of the corpus and also for the elaboration of didactic sequence applied in the classroom. After the research application in the classroom, it was found that students have difficulty in systematize grammatical concepts and use them in textual analysis. It was also observed that when there is a clear and definite strategy for the student, it can leads to understand the text with more autonomy.

本論文旨在探討閱讀檔案評量結合閱讀策略教學對於中台灣低成就國中生的影響。本研究對象為兩名八年級國中生，在七年級時因段考成績被學校歸為低成就組。這兩名學生上學期的英語成績平均相近，上課參與度高，作業確實繳交。 本研究採用Li (2008)與Yang (2007)針對國中基本學力測驗英語閱讀測驗題型提出之六大分類：確認文章主旨、引導正確結論、導出暗示推論、猜測字詞意義、尋找細部資訊、找出字詞指涉，並將此分類納為閱讀策略教學之目標。學生必須遵照閱讀檔案評量進度表，在接受閱讀策略教學同時，透過讀書心得練習策略，並透過閱讀檔案進行自評。研究為期十七週，每週一節課。為求完整了解學生閱讀與學習行為改變，並探究閱讀檔案評量結合閱讀策略教學之成效，本研究除蒐集學生閱讀檔案，亦施行仿全民英檢閱讀測驗，發放問卷，和學生進行面談，並觀察學生學習狀況。 本研究發現閱讀檔案評量結合閱讀策略教學能夠幫助低成就國中生精熟閱讀策略及提高閱讀成效。即使學生在進行檔案評量前後，對自己使用閱讀策略的認知和實際進行檔案評量的表現有所出入，學生於閱讀時進行選擇、反省、分享之情形仍較進行檔案評量前增加，充分體現檔案評量的精神。而學生閱讀行為之改變均符合Benson (2003)所談之促進學習自主原則。一旦學生學習自主性增加，學習動機隨之提高，學習反應良好，也同時負起學習責任(Cameron, 2007; Chen, 2004; Sarwar, 2002; ÜSTÜNLÜOGLU, 2009)。 本研究因此建議教育部基測委員會不應該僅以單選題型式來測驗學生閱讀能力，而應該嘗試其他題型。此外，本研究也建議英語教師設計適合學生的閱讀教材，或訂出學生閱讀分級讀本的規則，並建議編者把閱讀檔案評量與閱讀策略教學融入課本中。而按學生個別差異進行適性及彈性的調整仍有其必要性，以期發揮檔案評量結合策略教學對於學生閱讀表現之最大成效。 / The present study aims to investigate the effects of reading portfolio assessment (RPA) and reading strategy instruction on the junior high low achievers in central Taiwan. Participants in the present study were two eighth graders who were identified as low achievers according to their performance in monthly exams when in the seventh grade. They had something in common: having similar English average scores last semester, taking active participation in class, and finishing assignments by due dates. According to Li’s (2008) and Yang’s (2007) categorization of reading strategies, the Basic Competence Test (BCT) English reading comprehension tests are designed based on the following six reading strategies— identifying the main idea, drawing correct conclusions, drawing implications and inferences, determining the meaning out of the context, finding the detailed information, and finding the targets of the references. Following the RPA syllabus, the participants received reading strategy instruction, practiced the strategies through journals, and assessed themselves through reading portfolios. The observation took one class period every week for 17 weeks. With the help of simulated General English Proficiency Test (GEPT) reading comprehension tests, questionnaires, reading portfolios, conferences, and observations, the findings of the present study showed the participants’ change in reading/learning behaviors and the effectiveness of RPA/reading strategy instruction. The results indicated that RPA and reading strategy instruction may make the junior high low achievers master reading strategies and perform well in reading. Even though there is inconsistence between their understanding of their strategy use before RPA and their actual performance during RPA, they thoroughly show Katz and Johnson-Kuby’s (1996) three elements of portfolio assessment with increase in selection, reflection, and sharing when reading. The changed reading behaviors correspond to Benson’s (2003) principles for fostering learner autonomy; because of increased learner autonomy, they raise their learning motivation, have positive learning response, and take responsibility for their learning (Cameron, 2007; Chen, 2004; Sarwar, 2002; ÜSTÜNLÜOGLU, 2009). At last, the present study suggested that the BCT committee consider trying more diverse ways to test reading ability, rather than focusing only on single choice questions. Furthermore, this study suggested that English teachers design reading materials suitable for students or set up a system to get students to read higher level books, and that textbook editors include RPA and reading strategy instruction. Meanwhile, editors and teachers have to keep in mind that personal and diverse adjustments are permitted in order to have the best effectiveness on students’ learning of reading, as long as the adjustments follow guidelines for RPA.

本研究發展一能夠預測學習者閱讀英語文章時之「個人化閱讀焦慮預測模型」，此預測模型係以資料探勘技術為基礎，透過資料探勘技術於個人閱讀歷程及標註行為中進行閱讀焦慮預測規則的建立，並將預測結果與判定規則回傳給教師，以提供教師掌握造成學習者閱讀焦慮之關鍵因素，並提供適當閱讀輔助策略，藉此減緩學習者閱讀焦慮程度，進而提升其閱讀學習成效。 為了驗證本研究所發展「個人化閱讀焦慮預測模型」的可用性，以及探討本研究所設計不同學習機制對閱讀焦慮減緩策略的有效性，本研究以準實驗法設計三種不同閱讀學習機制並分別實施於控制組、實驗組A與實驗組B，接著以臺北市立萬芳國中一年級學生作為實驗對象，進行本研究實驗資料的收集，以作為驗證「個人化閱讀焦慮預測模型」可用性的資料來源及三種學習機制間降低閱讀焦慮與提昇閱讀學習成效的有效性驗證資料。 研究結果發現，「個人化閱讀焦慮預測模型」能有效預測學習者閱讀焦慮程度，為一個可靠的閱讀焦慮程度判別工具。此外，本研究發現低焦慮學習者在閱讀標註互動上較高焦慮學習者使用頻率高，顯示高低焦慮程度學習者在閱讀標註互動行為上有較明顯的差異，而本研究在實驗組A所實施的合作式閱讀機制能有一定程度能降低中焦慮組學習者閱讀焦慮現象；在實驗組B所提供的線上教師閱讀輔助策略亦能有助於學習者閱讀焦慮減緩。除此之外，本研究所設計三種不同學習機制皆能有效提昇學習者閱讀學習成效，顯示本研究所發展合作式閱讀標註系統有助於提昇學習者閱讀學習成效。   最後，將研究結果進行整理同時輔以文獻驗證，並歸納研究者在研究過程中觀察發現，提出個人化閱讀焦慮預測模型修正、合作式閱讀標註學習社群與電子書閱讀輔助應用等未來研究議題的初步架構，供後續研究者參考以進行更深入的探討。 / To effectively reduce reading anxiety while reading English articles, this study employs C4.5 decision tree, which is a widely used data mining technique, to develop a Personalized Reading Anxiety Level Prediction Model (PRALPM) for learners based on individual learners’ reading annotation behavior on a digital reading annotation system. The proposed PRALPM can explore the key factors that cause reading anxiety based on the fired prediction rules determined by decision tree. Through understanding these key factors that cause reading anxiety, instructor can support appropriate reading strategies to reduce learner’s reading anxiety level and promote their reading performance. To assess whether the proposed PRALPM can effectively assist instructor to reduce reading anxiety, this study adopted the quasi-experimental method to compare the learning performances of three learning groups, which are respectively supported by a digital reading annotation system with different learning mechanisms for reducing reading learning. Among the three learning groups, the control group, experimental group A and experimental group B conducted the same English reading learning activity, but were respectively distributed a digital reading annotation system with individual annotation, cooperative annotation and cooperative annotation with instructor’s support based on the proposed PRALPM for reducing reading anxiety. The experiment were executed on Taipei Municipal Wan-fang High School 7-grade student, and collected experimental data for verified the model availability and the effectiveness of different learning mechanism in lower learner’s reading anxiety level. The results found that PRALPM can predict learner’s reading anxiety level efficacious, and it’s also a reliable tool for identify reading anxiety. In addition, the study found that low level anxiety learners has more reading interactive than high level learners, it also mean different anxiety level learners have Significant differences in reading interaction activities. And the Collaborative reading mechanism can help middle-anxiety-level learner reduce their anxiety efficacious in experimental group A. The online teacher reading assisted strategy can also help learners to slow their read anxiety in experimental group B. Furthermore, three type of learning mechanism all have the positive Effect to enhance learner’s reading performance, it shows that this collaborative reading annotation system can help learner Have better learning outcomes. At last, the study summarized the researchers observed and bring forward some future research issues such as PRALPM modify, cooperative learning community and the application of e-book reader-assisted subject.

English language learners (ELLs) develop their reading by engaging in diverse literacy activities in the learning contexts of multiliteracies. I investigated ELLs' experiences and their use of strategies when they read computer-based texts at home and in school. In addition, I identified a variety of influential factors that affected the ELLs' use of reading strategies when they read computer-based texts in both research contexts. This research was conducted at homes and at three public elementary schools. Participants were two fourth-grade and two fifth-grade ELLs, four parents, and five classroom teachers. The study included observations, interviews, verbal reports, documents, field notes, and reflective journals. My data analysis processes consisted of five steps and resulted in an understanding of the ELLs' use of strategies and literacy experiences when they read computer-based texts in home and school contexts. I collected data from April 2010 through December 2010. The findings indicated that the ELLs used 15 strategies when they read diverse computer-based texts. All the ELLs created their multi-dimensional zone of proximal development (ZPD) and dialogued with others, themselves, and texts in both non-linear and dynamic ways. The ELLs' specific patterns of using the strategies contained both similarities and differences in each context. In addition, (1) ELLs' electronic literacy knowledge and experiences, (2) parents' and teachers' guidance and interest for computer-based text readings, (3) ELLs' purposes for reading computer-based texts, (4) the language of computer-based texts, and (5) technology equipment in the contexts all influenced the ELLs' use of reading strategies at homes and schools. There are two implications for parents and teachers. First, even though limitations exist, parents and teachers need to play more active roles in supporting their children's efficient and productive use of strategies and computer technology for their computer-based text reading. Second, to enhance the ELLs' literacy development in the learning contexts of multiliteracies, a home-school connection is necessary.

以英文為外語的學習者常仰賴閱讀獲取英文相關的知識跟文化，所以閱讀在台灣的英文課中得到相當程度地的重視，即便如此，台灣的高中英文閱讀教學多半只專注在仔細閱讀的教導上，而忽略了包含略讀、搜索閱讀跟掃讀的快速閱讀，這是因為快速閱讀並沒有納入在大學入學考試的測驗當中。考量到快速閱讀是日常生活跟學習上不可或缺的技能，本研究旨在檢驗台灣高中學生的英文快速閱讀能力，他們在進行快速閱讀中所採用的閱讀策略跟遇到的閱讀困難也是本研究的調查目標。研究者設計了一份快速閱讀測驗跟一份仔細閱讀測驗來比較學生們的閱讀能力。此外，研究者設計了一份問卷來調查學生們在快速閱讀測驗當中所運用的閱讀策略跟遭遇的閱讀困難。 研究結果顯示台灣高中學生在快速閱讀測驗上的表現略優於他們在仔細閱讀測驗上的表現。此外，學生們在掃讀上表現得最好，優於在搜索閱讀上的表現，而略讀上的表現則是最差。關於策略的使用，學生們雖然會運用快速閱讀策略來完成快速閱讀的任務，但他們仍然在快速閱讀測驗當中普遍地使用仔細閱讀的策略。至於閱讀的困難，學生們進行快速閱讀時的困難主要來自於文章的用字、主題熟悉度跟長度。根據研究的發現，本研究對於教導與評量台灣高中學生的快速閱讀能力提出了實務上的建議。 / As a crucial language skill for EFL learns to gain English knowledge and culture (Alsamadani, 2009), reading receives considerable pedagogical attention in English classes in Taiwan (Wu, 2010). However, the reading instruction at the senior high school level focuses on the careful reading (Hsu, 2004). The expeditious reading, including skimming, search reading, and scanning (Urquhart & Weir, 1998), is often neglected. Considering the usefulness of expeditious reading in daily and academic life (Brown, 2007), the present research examined the expeditious reading ability of Taiwanese senior high school students, their strategy use and difficulties they had experienced in conducting expeditious reading. The researcher composed an expeditious reading test and a careful reading test to compare the students’ reading performances. Besides, the researcher designed a questionnaire to survey the strategy use and difficulties experienced by the students in the expeditious reading test. The result showed that the Taiwanese senior high school students’ performance on the expeditious reading test was marginally higher than their performance on the careful reading test. In addition, the student’s scanning score was the highest, followed by the search reading, and the skimming was the lowest. As for strategy use, the students applied expeditious reading strategies to approach expeditious reading tasks in the test, but they also appealed to some careful reading strategies in the expeditious reading test. Concerning difficulties, the students faced more problems with the vocabulary, topics, and length of texts when conducting expeditious reading. The findings yielded practical implications for teaching and assessing the expeditious reading at the senior high school level in Taiwan.

ABSTRACT THE EFFECTS OF TEXTBOOK STYLE AND READING STRATEGY ON STUDENTS&rsquo / ACHIEVEMENTS AND ATTITUDES TOWARDS HEAT AND TEMPERATURE Aky&uuml / z, Volkan M.S., Department of Secondary Science and Mathematics Education Supervisor: Assist. Prof. Dr. Ali Eryilmaz July 2004, 96 pages The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of textbook style and reading strategy on 9th grade students&rsquo / achievement and attitude towards heat and temperature at Eregli district of Zonguldak. Textbook style was means that whether textbook written in conceptual style or traditional style. The reading strategy was taken as K-W-L vs. reading without K-W-L. The study uses factorial design to investigate partial and combined effects of these methodologies. In the study convenience sampling was used. The participants were 123 9th grade students at Zonguldak Eregli Super High School in four different classes. Then selected classes were randomly assigned into four groups. The groups were conceptual physics text with K-W-L reading strategy, conceptual physics text with reading without K-W-L, traditional physics text with K-W-L reading strategy and traditional physics text with reading without K-W-L. Achievement and attitude tests were administered before and after the treatment. The data was analyzed by Multiple Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA) to find out individual and combined effects of conceptual physics texts and K-W-L reading strategy. The results has shown that conceptual physics texts were effective in increasing students&rsquo / attitude, K-W-L was effective in increasing achievement, and their combination was effective in increasing both achievement and attitude of the students.

The aim of the study was to investigate how reading aloud is organized in the class-room and if the teachers made any adaptations for students with reading comprehension difficulties. Three teachers and two special education teachers were interviewed about their views on reading aloud and adaptations. Two students were interviewed about their experiences of listening to read-alouds. The results of the study showed that the students appreciated to listen to their teachers reading aloud and to take part in conversations about the text. The teachers who had been educated by Skolverket, Läslyftet, used comprehension strategies during the reading aloud lessons and found the strategies to be a good adaptation for the students with comprehension problems. The special education teachers mostly worked with students with word- reading difficulties. They did not use read-alouds and comprehensions strategies in their teaching. The study also indicate the importance of implementing research in education.