The dimensions of reading attitude for inner-city Detroit fifth graders

A principle-factor analysis of the 88 items comprising the Survey of Reading Attitudes investigated the construct validity of the eight dimensions of reading attitude. The sample consisted of 344 inner-city Detroit fifth graders. The factor structure showed support for the Expressed Reading as Difficulty, Reading as Enjoyment, Silent vs. Oral Reading, and Alternative Learning Modes dimensions. However, the Reading Anxiety dimension tended to merge with the Expressed Reading Difficulty dimension, and the Reading as Direct Reinforcement and Reading Group dimensions merged into a single dimension. This finding suggests these dimensions may be correlated, and an oblique rotation may be more appropriate. The Comics dimension split into two dimensions: Comic Books and Newspaper Comics. Thus, these findings generally cross-validate the dimensions of reading attitude found in earlier studies of the Survey of Reading Attitudes.     

Normative data and reliability estimates for eight dimensions of reading attitude,part IV—private school learning disabled students

The Survey of Reading Attitudes was administered to 167 intermediate and high school students who were enrolled in three private schools for LD children in the Southeast. Statistical analysis consisted of computing means, standard deviations, standard errors of measurement, and coefficient alpha reliability estimates for the eight dimensions of reading attitude included in the Survey. The reliability estimates for the respective dimensions were as follows: Expressed Reading Difficulty, alpha = .82; Reading as Direct Reinforcement, alpha = .72; Reading as Enjoyment, alpha = .87; Alternative Learning Modes, alpha = .72; Reading Group, alpha = .74; Reading Anxiety, alpha = .71; Silent vs. Oral Reading, alpha = .78; and Comics, alpha = .75. The current results viewed in conjunction with the results of the three previous normative studies seem to support the psychometric soundness of The Survey of Reading Attitudes across differing samples.     

Normative data and reliability estimates for eight dimensions of reading attitude

The Survey of Reading Attitudes was administered to a sample of 159 fifth graders and 156 sixth graders enrolled in a middle school in rural Northeastern Ohio. The 92 attitudinal items comprising the Survey were read aloud by the teacher while the students followed along reading silently from their booklets. Statistical analysis consisted of computing means, standard deviations, standard errors of measurement, and coefficient alpha reliability estimates for the eight dimensions of reading attitude included in the Survey. The reliability estimates ranged from .89 for Reading as Enjoyment and .88 for Expressed Reading Difficulty to .74 for Reading Group and .76 for Reading as Direct Reinforcement. The reliability estimates for the other four dimensions were as follows: Alternative Learning Modes, .79; Reading Anxiety, .78; Silent vs. Oral Reading, .78; and Comics, .77.     

Normative data for eight dimensions of reading attitude,Part III—suburban parochial school students

The Survey of Reading Attitudes was administered to 235 intermediate-grade students enrolled in a suburban parochial school in Northeastern Ohio. Statistical analysis consisted of computing means, standard deviations, standard errors of measurement, and coefficient alpha reliability estimates for the eight dimensions of reading attitude included in the Survey. The reliability estimates for the respective dimensions are as follows: Expressed Reading α=.88; Reading as Direct Reinforcement, α=.79; Reading as Enjoyment, α=.89; Alternative Learning Modes, α=.71; Reading Group, α=.76; Reading Anxiety, α=.82; Silent vs. Oral Reading, α=.79; and Comics, α=.72.     

The dimensions of reading attitude for children in the intermediate grades

This study represents the first phase of an ongoing research program aimed at identifying the dimensions of reading attitude and determining how these dimensions relate to a broader range of variables such as reading achievement, scholastic aptitude, classroom behavior, and cognitive styles. The 150 items which comprise the experimental edition of A Survey of Reading Altitudes (Wallbrown, Brown, & Engin, 1974) were factor analyzed along with measures of scholastic aptitude, reading vocabulary, and reading comprehension. The analysis was based on the responses of 853 intermediate grade students. The attitude items were presented orally to control for reading problems, but the students also had booklets so they could read the items to themselves. Seven independent dimensions of reading attitude and one reading achievement factor were identified, interpreted, and discussed. The findings are encouraging, since they suggest that investigating the expressed reading attitudes of intermediate grade children constitutes a promising line of educational research.     

Discriminating between attitudes expressed by normal and disabled readers

The Survey of Reading Attitudes was administered to 84 normal and 116 disabled readers from the intermediate grades, and a discriminate function analysis was performed on their scores for the eight dimensions of reading attitudes measured by the Survey. The findings indicate that Expressed Reading Difficulty, Reading as Enjoyment, and Reading Group are the three variables that discriminate between these two groups. In comparison with normal readers, disabled readers are more likely to feel negatively about their reading group, less likely to see themselves as pursuing reading for its intrinsic value, and more likely to perceive of themselves as having difficulty with reading. However, the extent to which these findings can be generalized beyond the present sample of white Appalachian students must be established through future research.     

A factor analysis of reading attitudes along with measures of reading achievement and scholastic aptitude

The construct validity of the Survey of Reading Attitudes was investigated through a principal-factor analysis of the 88 items comprising the scale, along with measures of scholastic aptitude and reading skills (vocabulary and comprehension). The sample included 600 students selected so that 200 (100 boys and 100 girls) were obtained from each of the three intermediate grades. The Survey was administered orally to class-size groups, but copies of the booklet were also available to students. The factor structure showed a reading achievement factor along with the following eight dimensions of reading attitude: (1) expressed reading difficulty, (2) reading as direct reinforcement, (3) reading as enjoyment, (4) alternative learning modes, (5) silent vs. oral reading, (6) reading anxiety, (7) reading group, and (8) comics.     

Normative data for eight dimensions of reading attitudes: Canadian public school students

The Survey of Reading Attitudes was administered to 613 fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade students enrolled in the schools that serve the metropolitan area of a small city in Ontario, Canada. Means, standard deviations, coefficient of alpha reliability estimates, and standard errors of measurement were computed for the eight dimensions of reading attitude included in the Survey. The reliability estimates for the respective dimensions are as follows: Expressed Reading Difficulty, α = .88, Reading as Direct Reinforcement, α = .83, Reading as Enjoyment, α = .89, Alternative Learning Modes, α = .72, Reading Group, α = .81, Reading Anxiety, α = .82, Silent vs. Oral Reading, α = .83, and Comics, α = .79.     

The relationship of reading attitudes to academic aptitude,locus of control,and field independence

The relationship between eight dimensions of reading attitude and measures of academic aptitude, locus of control, and field independence was investigated for sample of 322 inner-city Detroit fifth graders. Verbal academic aptitude correlated significantly with the Expressed Reading Difficulty, Reading Anxiety, Silent vs. Oral Reading, and Reading as Enjoyment reading attitude dimensions, while nonverbal academic aptitude correlated with Expressed Reading Difficulty and Reading Anxiety. The Expressed Reading Difficulty, Reading Anxiety, Reading Group, Reading as Direct Reinforcement, and Reading as Enjoyment dimensions were significantly related to the I+ score; reading attitudes were not related to the I- score. Only the Expressed Reading Difficulty dimension correlated with field independence. The meaning of these relationships was discussed.     

Locus of control and reading attitude

The relationships between three measures of locus of control and eight dimensions of reading attitude were investigated for a sample of 431 inner-city children. The sample included the intermediate grade children enrolled in the 20 regular classrooms of the three elementary schools from the Columbus, Ohio, Public Schools. Correlation coefficients were computed between locus of control scores and the eight dimensions of reading attitude. Reading Anxiety showed a significant relationship with the I- score. This finding suggests that inner-city children who are willing to accept personal responsibility for negative events in their lives also tend to experience more anxiety about their reading. The other seven dimensions of reading attitude were not significantly related to internality scores.     

Test-retest reliability estimates for eight dimensions of reading attitude

The Survey of Reading Attitudes was administered to a sample comprised of 68 intermediate-grade students from one elementary school in a large city school system for purposes of determining the reliability of the eight attitudinal dimensions which it measures. The test-retest interval was seven days. The following reliability estimates were obtained for the eight dimensions of reading attitude included in the Survey: Expressed Reading Difficulty. r_tt=.94; Reading as Direct Reinforcement, r_tt=.90; Reading as Enjoyment. r_tt=.95; Alternative Learning Modes. r_tt= 82; Reading Anxiety. r_tt=.84; Reading Group, r_tt=.91; Silent vs. Oral Reading, r_tt=90; and Comics, r_tt=.89.     

Normative data for eight dimensions of reading attitude,part II—inner-city remedial readers

The Survey of Reading Attitudes was administered to a sample of 90 remedial readers enrolled in seven different inner-city elementary schools in a large Midwestern city. The Survey items were read aloud by the examiner while the students followed along reading the 92 attitudinal statements silently from their booklet. Means, standard deviations, standard errors of measurement, and coefficient alpha reliability estimates were determined for the eight dimensions of reading attitudes measured by the Survey. The following reliability estimates were obtained: Expressed Reading Difficulty, α=.89; Reading as Direct Reinforcement, α=.76; Reading as Enjoyment, α=.85; Alternative Learning Modes, α=.67; Reading Group, α=.72; Reading Anxiety, α=.72; Silent vs Oral Reading, α=.76; and Comics, α=.70.     

A Study of Individually Formulated Purposes for Reading

Abstract

The problem was to evaluate changes of adolescent delinquent boys In their behavior and attitude" toward authority figures after the boys received rending Instruction, The 37 subjects were divided Into three groups and were equated for age, I.Q., ethnic background, and reading ability. The groups were given either reading Instruction, swimming instruction, or no Instruction. A follow-up study was done on each subject 18 months after the termination of the experiment to determine court involvement. The magnitude of improvement In changes in attitude was significantly greater (.001 level of confidence) In the Reading Group than in the other two groups, ft may be concluded that leading Instruction is effective In modifying certain attitudes of adolescent delinquents toward authority figures.     

Effects of varying text difficulty levels on second language (L2) reading attitudes and reading comprehension

This study investigated the effects of varying text difficulty on L2 reading attitudes and reading comprehension. To provide the optimal challenge for L2 reading, comprehensible input hypothesis postulates that choosing text slightly harder than the learner's current level will enhance reading comprehension. Fifty‐four freshmen from one university in central Taiwan were randomly divided into two groups. Students in the ‘i − 1’ group were given level 3 and level 4 Oxford Graded Readers while students in the ‘i + 1’ group were provided with level 5 and level 6. Quantitative data were obtained via the English Placement Exam and the Reading Attitudes Survey. Results from the pretest and posttest of the Reading Attitudes Survey suggest that the i − 1 group has gained significantly in reading attitudes, whereas no difference in reading attitude was identified with the i + 1 group. Results also indicate that varied difficulty levels of reading text did not significantly affect participants' reading comprehension.     

An Experimental Study of Formal Reading Instruction at the Kindergarten Level

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of formal reading instruction on kindergartners with respect to reading achievement, attitude toward reading, and attitude toward school.

Altogether 220 children, classified on intelligence and reading readiness variables, were randomly assigned to formal reading and readiness programs for four months. Criterion data respecting to achievement and attitudes were collected by means of the California Reading Test and constructed attitude inventories.

Analyses of data reveal that in terms of reading achievement, the reading program was more effective than the readiness program, but that attitudes toward school and reading were a function of intelligence and reading readiness when attitudes were measured by a teacher-reporting scale. When measured by a pupil self-reporting scale, attitudes were a function of the type of instruction, with children in the readiness program showing more favorable attitudes.     

Scottish education: Beyond devolution

ABSTRACT

Reading Recovery is a highly successful and widely used intervention for children with reading difficulties. However, it is an intensive intervention and some have argued that it is for this reason alone that it is effective. This argument is examined but found to be unsound. The central features of Reading Recovery are then described under the headings of assessment, curriculum and instruction, and the empirical evidence of their value reviewed. Using this method to analyse Reading Recovery as a case‐study of successful intervention certain key elements are revealed. The intensity of the intervention is identified as a necessary but not sufficient ingredient for effective remediation. Other factors of importance are the rigour and focus of assessment, the breadth of the curriculum which includes writing as well as reading, and the quality of instruction.     

An Experiment with the SRA Reading Laboratory at Grade Two

Abstract

In phases one and two, 954 second graders followed similar basal reading programs during the school year, but 534 of the pupils had added, as a criterion variable, the SRA Reading Laboratory. Difference-in-mean tests of significance were applied to gains made in the areas of ten diagnostic subtests in phase one, and in phase two to gains made by three ability groups in three gross achievement areas. Eighteen classes participated in phase three to test by analysis of variance the effectiveness of the Laboratory as a total program. The study failed to disclose a single facet of reading achievement at Grade 2 for which the SRA Reading Laboratory is better suited than is a regular developmental program.     

Young Spanish-English speaking children’s reading attitudes in relation to language skills

Background: Reading attitudes are recognised as an influencing factor on the language and literacy achievement of school age monolingual English-speaking children. The relationship between reading attitudes and achievement in young Spanish-speaking English Learners (ELs) remains understudied.

Purpose: The aim of the current study was to describe reading attitudes of young Spanish-speaking ELs and to examine the relationship between attitudes and language performance.

Method: The investigators utilised the Elementary Reading Attitudes Survey (ERAS) with 204 participants: 100 ELs in kindergarten and 104 in first grade. Investigators administered standardised measures of language and literacy performance. Correlational analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between attitudes and performance on language assessments.

Findings: Significant mean differences were observed between girls and boys, with girls showing more positive attitudes towards recreational reading. Phonological awareness skills showed a significant strong correlation with academic reading attitudes for children in kindergarten. Spanish receptive vocabulary showed significant positive correlation with reading attitudes. No significant grade differences were found in overall mean reading attitudes.

Conclusions: Overall, students in both grades demonstrated generally positive attitudes towards reading, despite potential language barriers. Findings substantiate a positive relationship between reading attitudes and receptive vocabulary, and phonological awareness skills in young children.     

ADOLESCENTS' COMPREHENSION AND CONTENT AREA EDUCATION STUDENTS' PERCEPTIONS: BENEFITS FROM ONE-ON-ONE TUTORING

In this research study the authors analyzed the effectiveness of content-area education students tutoring adolescents and documented changes in the attitudes of the education students over time. Tutors tested the reading comprehension of both the students they tutored (treatment group) and students they did not (comparison group). The authors used a repeated measures ANOVA to evaluate the effects of the tutorial program on reading for the two groups. The dependent variable was pre- and post-reading scores as measured by the Bader Reading & Language Inventory for both groups. The main effect was significant for the tutored group. In addition, the authors utilized the “preservice teachers' perception/attitude survey” using a Likert scale to document changes in the attitudes of the education students toward implementing literacy strategies within their content areas. To test the effects of the semester-long experience, the authors employed a repeated measures ANOVA to determine significance between the pre/post means. The authors' findings revealed that the semester's experience had a significant impact on the tutors' attitude mean; however, no significant differences pre to post were found among the various content majors.