Reading approaches in Japan and other EFL settings have typically focused on accuracy at the expense of fluency. However, reading rate and fluency are important components of reading that are currently being neglected. A review of the literature reveals growing interest in investigating the effectiveness of reading rate and fluency enhancement…

The vast majority of the studies concerning graphic organizer use for the improvement of reading comprehension have been carried out with first language (L1) learners. The recommendations to employ graphic organizers as part of reading instruction are frequently found in L1 reading literature (Blachowicz & Ogle, 2001; McKenna & Robinson,…

This dissertation explores science literacy for English learners (ELs) in secondary and university contexts. The two studies conducted for this dissertation demonstrate the reading comprehension abilities of secondary school ELs, and the writing of ELs for a university introductory biology course. The first study reveals some inequity in public…