Does reading a mathematical proof for validation engender different behaviors from reading it for comprehension? Experts and novices each read two mathematical proofs under different sets of instructions: they were asked to understand one proof, and to assess the validity of the other. Their eye movements were recorded while they read and were…

This study examined the use of sequenced visual images (graphic novels and comic books) to scaffold incidental vocabulary learning and text comprehension while processing visual and textual information. Due to the recent growth of graphic novels as a popular text format, empirical investigation is needed to ascertain its value and to possibly…

This paper describes a novel automated disengagement tracing system (DTS) that detects mind wandering in students using AutoTutor, an Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS) with conversational agents. DTS is based on an unsupervised learning method and thus does not rely on any self-reports of disengagement. We analyzed the reading time and response…

Research on reading from digital devices has generally shown a decline in comprehension performance when reading from a digital screen as opposed to reading from paper, under certain conditions--namely, when texts are both longer and when comprehension is measured as deeper-level understanding of text, relying on higher order reading skills rather…

Most students in Saudi Arabia struggle with reading, especially reading comprehension. The purpose of this quantitative study is to determine the effects of adapting and implementing an American workshop strategy on fifth-grade Saudi students' reading comprehension. The long-term goal is to increase Saudi students' reading comprehension in general…

This study aimed to determine if metacognitive strategies help increase reading comprehension in fifth grade students. Participants included a control group of 31 fifth grade students who were not taught metacognition reading strategies, and a comparable treatment groups of 43 fifth grade students who were taught metacognition reading strategies.…

Students who struggle with reading have particular trouble with expository text. Instruction in text structures has been shown to be effective for improving expository reading comprehension. However, few studies have been conducted specifically with upper elementary aged struggling readers. To address these issues, we developed a new intervention,…

This book is a testament to the increasing role and importance of multiple source use in everyday and academic literacy activities in the 21st century. How should we introduce the topic of multiple sources here? For most readers, we need not, because this chapter is not their first literacy stop in the volume, so the topic has been adequately…

Fountas and Pinnell (2012) warn that guided reading is not always synonymous with small-group instruction. While it may appear simple, much thought goes into a guided reading lesson. This chapter details the steps for teachers to follow in order to develop more effective guided reading and small group instruction for all students by identifying…

This article considers whether reading on screen is the same as reading on paper, and specifically whether reading comprehension is the same in both media. After reviewing relevant research, the article describes and reports the results of an NZCER research project that compared data records from online and paper-based versions of PAT: Reading…

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of explicit instruction in notetaking skills on the notetaking performance of seventh-grade students at different reading ability levels. The students in the notetaking instruction condition (NTI) received classroom-based notetaking skills instruction (approximately 40 minutes) every week…

The deep comprehension of a text is tantamount to the construction of an articulated mental model of that text. The number of correct recollections is an index of a learner's mental model of a text. We assume that another index of comprehension is the timing of the gestures produced during text recall; gestures are simultaneous with speech when…

In this study, we used eye-tracking methodology for deeper understanding of the refutation text effect on online text comprehension. A refutation text acknowledges the reader's alternative conceptions about a phenomenon, refutes them and presents the correct conceptions. We tested two hypotheses about its facilitation effect: the coherence…

Purpose: The purpose of this article is to discuss reading comprehension deficits in adolescents in relation to their word reading skills and lexical and syntactic development. Although reading comprehension strategies (e.g., "Find the main idea") are often recommended, it is argued that before these can be effective, students'…

This brief experimental study investigated the initial promise of an intervention designed to promote inference generation in adolescents with reading comprehension difficulties. The intervention, provided for nine sessions, included multisyllable word study, teacher explanation and modeling of inference generation and other comprehension…