System and methods for a reading fluency measure

Abstract

The present invention measures reading fluency, which is simultaneous decoding and comprehension. Whether or not a person is a fluent reader is determined by the size of the visual unit, or sting of letters, used in word recognition In order to measure the size of the visual unit used in word recognition, a lexical decision task (“LDT”) is used in which short and long words are presented on a display device. The person determines if the string of letters formulates a word. The person enters their response on an input device and the results are recorded. A score is calculated that measures reading fluency. The ability to correctly identify a string of letters as a word using holistic processing, rather than letter-by-letter, is the hallmark of a fluent person.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention generally relates to fluency and more particularly to measuring reading fluency.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]In 1997, Congress commissioned the National Reading Panel. This panel of experts assessed the status of research-based knowledge, including the effectiveness of various approaches to teaching children to read. The panel selected fluency as one of the five reading areas for review and analysis because there is growing concern that children are not achieving fluency in reading. It has been recognized that fluency is one of the most neglected areas in the reading curriculum. The National Reading Panel Report (2000) noted that often teachers do not recognize that word recognition accuracy is not the end point of reading instruction. Fluency represents a level of expertise beyond word recognition accuracy or the speed at which a person can read orally. A fluent reader is one who can perform multiple tasks, such as word recognit...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a system and method for measuring the reading fluency of individuals in both alphabetical and non-alphabetical writing systems. The system uses a computer or television screen to present a string of letters or words to the individual, who then decides if the string is a real word or not. The system measures the time it takes for the individual to decide and the accuracy of their response. The size of the individual's visual unit used in word recognition is measured, which is correlated with their fluency. The invention is based on the automaticity theory and can be used with different types of participants and in various fields. The invention provides a reliable measure of reading fluency and can help improve reading comprehension.

Problems solved by technology

For example, if readers are using all of their processing capacity to decode the words printed in text, they will not be able to comprehend at the same time.

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