The study found that a computerized study guide was more effective than notetaking in increasing textbook comprehension with 18 remedial and 13 learning disabled ninth grade students in a world geography class. (DB)

Focuses on a subgroup of nonconcept-aware readers--children who have sufficient concept knowledge, but who rely excessively on the processing of the data on a printed page. Discusses the nature, contexts, and how to assess overreliance on data processing. (MS)

Investigation of second language readers' awareness and use of first and second language reading strategies indicated that in first language reading "local" reading strategies correlate negatively with reading performance. Local strategies were positively correlated for English first language readers of Spanish, while global strategies were…

Two experiments studied whether 110 first, third, and fifth graders' difficulties in detecting inconsistencies in text were related to their failure to represent inconsistent propositions in memory or failure to compare them although remembered. Shortcomings were related more to difficulties in forming mental representations than in comparing…

Examines the effect of prior knowledge and difficult vocabulary on students' recall of a passage from a social studies text. Concludes that vocabulary difficulty may affect microprocessing (development of coherent text base) while prior knowledge may affect macroprocessing (summarizing), and that these effects function independently, not…

Investigates whether early reading comprehension is holistic or comprises different separate subskills. Finds that reading comprehension of early readers is holistic, closely related to general intelligence and verbal problem solving. (RS)

Describes the Inferential Training Technique (ITT), a modified cloze procedure and self-monitoring checklist focusing on the inferential process. Notes that this strategy improves reading comprehension and inferencing skills, and can be applied to content area reading. Provides a sample cloze passage, inferential questions, and worksheet guide for…

Describes a remediation program designed to promote students' self-confidence, in addition to promoting fluent reading and enhancing comprehension. Notes that the program uses real books with meaningful language patterns, presented so that each student experiences success. (MM)

This paper explores three issues in the literacy acquisition of Latino students, including common problems faced by second-language readers of English; explicit strategies for transfer of first-language strengths to second-language literacy; and the development of language-specific strategies. (46 references) (JL)

Discusses guided reading as an approach that teachers can use to help young students better comprehend what they are reading. Notes that guided reading allows teachers to talk, think, and read through a text with children, offering questions, comments, and prompts to the children to stimulate their interest and understanding. (MDM)

Explores use of reading comprehension instruction to develop oral language in language-minority students. Outlines six teachable abilities that could be developed in students--including determination of important and unimportant aspects of text. Lists ten instructional suggestions that draw on the primary language, cognitive strengths, and social…

A reading comprehension instructional program designed to improve knowledge and use of the text structure was analyzed in two complementary studies involving 72 high school students. Readers trained in the program demonstrated improved comprehension and were able to transfer their knowledge to other texts. (SLD)

Investigates the effect on reading comprehension when reading shorter and easier narrative text and longer and more difficult texts on the printed page as compared to reading the same narrative texts using interactive CD-ROM software displayed by the computer. Finds that reading from computers increased comprehension when subjects read longer and…

Explores ways people learn from text. Content overlap between a text and the reader's prior knowledge is identified as one factor. Methods are proposed to identify whether a text is suitable for readers with a specific background. The usefulness of coherence gaps that stimulate constructive activities is discussed. (SLD)

Describes the discussion continuum, a class activity that helps readers to interact with the text by taking a position that they will have to support. Notes that it promotes lively class discussion. (SR)