The relevance of a connectionist model of reading for “The great debate”

Connectionist models of reading, in particular Seidenberg and McClelland's (1989) parallel distributed processing model of word recognition, are described and contrasted with the top-down, bottom-up, and interactive models of reading from the traditional, symbol-manipulation paradigm of information processing. Connectionism emphasizes: (1) a single, rather than dual, mechanism for processing words, and (2) distributed representations and weighted connections between units rather than symbolic rules for mapping letters and sounds. Implications for the teaching of reading are discussed.     

Benefits of computer-presented speed training for poor readers

The effects of computer-presented automatization exercises in a group of 14 poor readers were assessed in comparison to a matched control group of 14 poor readers that received computer-presented exercises aimed at the use of context for word identification and comprehension. Training took place three sessions a week for 15 minutes per session and lasted about two months in each group. Results showed that the automatization or “speed” group progressed more than the context group in word and text reading efficiency, and the effect transferred to more complex word types than the CVC word type that was presented in the exercises. Both groups progressed to the same extent in accuracy, but the speed group made more progress in speed. No effects were found for reading comprehension. The findings make clear that computer-supported automatization exercises can be effective in reducing reading problems of poor readers in a short period of time. Implications for practice are discussed.     

A Critical Analysis of the Sources of Reading Recovery: An Empiricist Perspective

This discussion of the sources of Reading Recovery presents the results of an investigation into whether or not this relatively costly, tutoring remedial reading program, designed for primary-grade students, is based on relevant experimental evidence as to how these students best learn to read. The general finding of the study was that Reading Recovery principles and practices are not based firmly on the experimental evidence that supports the so-called bottom-up model of children's reading development. To the contrary of Reading Recovery, Marie Clay, favors so-called top-down principles and models of reading instruction. Reading Recovery uses several empirically unverified procedures to decide which students are admitted to its tutoring sessions, to determine the progress in reading rehabilitation these tutees make, and to judge when students should be discontinued from Reading Recovery tutelage. The details on the shortcomings of Reading Recovery are judged to be prima facie evidence that it may not be a cost-effective educational innovation. Further authentication in that regard, it is pointed out, are recent studies by disinterested researchers who report that: (a) the initial successes of Reading Recovery in helping disabled readers overcome their handicap are only temporary in nature, and (b) the majority of the precepts and procedures prescribed for Reading Recovery by Marie Clay reflect a top-down orientation to reading development, as does the Whole Language (WL) philosophy of reading attainment. Educators and school boards should take this orientation of Reading Recovery under advisement when considering its purchase, it is urged.     

A Literature Review of EFL Extensive Reading and Its Implementation in China

Extensive reading(ER) is regarded as an essential way of language input for learners in EFL teaching context. Due to various practical factors, the implementation of ER instruction in China is still far from being satisfactory. With an elaboration on the definition and pedagogical significance of ER, this paper unveils several major problems existing in the Chinese university English ER instruction and proposes respective solutions.     

An Experimental Evaluation of Guided Reading and Explicit Interventions for Primary-Grade Students At-Risk for Reading Difficulties

Abstract

Considerable research evidence supports the provision of explicit instruction for students at risk for reading difficulties; however, one of the most widely implemented approaches to early reading instruction is Guided Reading (GR; Fountas & Pinnel, 1996), which deemphasizes explicit instruction and practice of reading skills in favor of extended time reading text. This study evaluated the two approaches in the context of supplemental intervention for at-risk readers at the end of Grade 1. Students (n = 218) were randomly assigned to receive GR intervention, explicit intervention (EX), or typical school instruction (TSI). Both intervention groups performed significantly better than TSI on untimed word identification. Significant effects favored EX over TSI on phonemic decoding and one measure of comprehension. Outcomes for the intervention groups did not differ significantly from each other; however, an analysis of the added value of providing each intervention relative to expected growth with typical instruction indicated that EX is more likely to substantially accelerate student progress in phonemic decoding, text reading fluency, and reading comprehension than GR. Implications for selection of Tier 2 interventions within a response-to-intervention format are discussed.     

A Literature Review of EFL Extensive Reading and Its Implementation in China

Extensive reading (ER) is regarded as an essential way of language input for learners in EFL teaching context. Due to various practical factors, the implementation of ER instruction in China is still f...     

A case study of questioning for reading comprehension during guided reading

This case study explored how a teacher's questioning during guided reading scaffolded six children's understanding of reading. Observations and interview data conveyed that questioning statements and the teacher's involvement as a respondent prompted children's engagement and understanding of the text. Insufficient wait time and open questions with a closed intent seemed to stifle children's understanding of reading. Conclusions suggest teachers' relaxation of questioning to a conversational manner may enable guided reading to be an opportunity to develop children's comprehension on all levels.     

Effects of Missing Data Methods in SEM Under Conditions of Incomplete and Nonnormal Data

Using Monte Carlo simulations, this research examined the performance of four missing data methods in SEM under different multivariate distributional conditions. The effects of four independent variables (sample size, missing proportion, distribution shape, and factor loading magnitude) were investigated on six outcome variables: convergence rate, parameter estimate bias, MSE of parameter estimates, standard error coverage, model rejection rate, and model goodness of fit—RMSEA. A three-factor CFA model was used. Findings indicated that FIML outperformed the other methods in MCAR, and MI should be used to increase the plausibility of MAR. SRPI was not comparable to the other three methods in either MCAR or MAR.     

对欧美韩日学生阅读猜词策略的问卷调查研究

文章采用问卷调查方法,对初、中级水平307名欧美、韩、日汉语学习者汉语阅读猜词策略使用情况进行了调查研究。结果显示：日本学生由于汉字优势,不仅在猜词策略使用总体上显著优于欧美、韩国学生,而且在初级阶段就能自如运用字形策略猜词;相反,欧美、韩国学生对汉字字形策略的运用有一个发展的过程。大语境猜词等以内容为导向猜词策略的使用对二语水平要求较高。     

A Literature Review of How To Teach Grammar Communicatively

This paper presents an overview of some influential approaches of integrating grammar instruction into communicative language teaching.     

Comparison of Attribute Reduction Methods for Coronary Heart Disease Data by Decision Tree Classification

Attribute reduction is necessary in decision making system. Selecting right attribute reduction method is more important. This paper studies the reduction effects of principal components analysis （PCA） and system reconstruction analysis , SRA） on coronary heart disease data. The data set contains 1723 records, and 71 attributes in each record. PCA and SRA are used to reduce attributes number （less than 71 ） in the data set. And then decision tree algorithms. C4.5, classification and regression tree （ CART）, and chi-square automatic interaction detector （ CHAID ）, are adopted to analyze the raw data and attribute reduced data. The parameters of decision tree algorithms, including internal node number, maximum tree depth, leaves number, and correction rate are analyzed. The result indicates that. PCA and SRA data can complete attribute reduction work. and the decision-making rate on the reduced data is quicker than that on the raw data： the reduction effect of PCA is better than that of SRA. while the attribute assertion of SRA is better than that of PCA. PCA and SRA methods exhibit good performance in selecting and reducing attributes.     

Missing Data and Multiple Imputation in the Context of Multivariate Analysis of Variance

Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) is widely used in educational research to compare means on multiple dependent variables across groups. Researchers faced with the problem of missing data often use multiple imputation of values in place of the missing observations. This study compares the performance of 2 methods for combining p values in the context of a MANOVA, with the typical default for dealing with missing data: listwise deletion. When data are missing at random, the new methods maintained the nominal Type I error rate and had power comparable to the complete data condition. When 40% of the data were missing completely at random, the Type I error rates for the new methods were inflated, but not for lower percents.     

Promise for Enhancing Children's Reading Attitudes Through Peer Reading: A Mixed Method Approach

ABSTRACT

Peer-Assisted Learning Strategies (PALS) was implemented for supplementary reading classes in a Korean elementary school. The treatment group children were exposed to PALS during 20 min sessions, 4 times a week, for 8 weeks. The impacts of PALS were investigated in 3 aspects using a mixed-methods approach: improvement in reading attitudes, reading skills, and student perceptions of the intervention. Data collection includes reading attitude measures, standardized reading comprehension test scores, student satisfaction survey, student interviews, and student journals. The PALS group students showed significantly enhanced reading attitudes and reading skills. Consistently, qualitative data analysis also revealed affirmative influence of PALS on students’ attitudes toward reading. Finally, the findings also suggested social benefits of PALS including developing cooperative skills and friendships.     

试论当前高中英语阅读教学的策略

图式阅读理论认为,阅读过程是读者的知识与读物中的信息相互作用的过程,也是在已知信息与新信息之间建立联系的过程。对于高中英语教学来说,阅读教学既是难点又是侧重点。文章以《普通高中英语课程标准》为指针,以图式理论为工具,针对目前高中英语阅读教学中普遍存在的主要问题,探索一些改进高中英语阅读教学的相应教学策略：增加背景知识介绍,激活旧图式;重视课文结构与提纲,组织新图式;采用交互式语篇阅读教学法;加强对学生阅读学习策略的训练;等等。     

基于DMA方式的气象卫星资料进机/转发卡的设计

采用FIFO缓冲技术和先进的可编程逻辑电路MACH系列产品。通过微机DMA技术写内存方式．实现对连续的、高速的、大量的串行数据的实时采集、存储与转发。     

FDI技术外溢的地区差异分析——基于广西区域面板数据的检验

FD I技术外溢存在地区差异。利用区域面板数据,基于Cobb-D oug las生产函数构建对数线性回归计量模型估计广西各地资本、劳动产出弹性,并估算各地全要素生产率;建立全要素生产率影响因素变系数面板模型(SUR模型),测算FD I技术外溢作用影响系数。结果表明,广西各地区FD I技术外溢效用存在规律性差异,开放程度越高、经济发展越快的地区,技术外溢效应越显著,越有利于技术进步。     

孤独症儿童言语行为教学研究述评

近年来,借鉴斯金纳提出的言语行为(Verbal Behavior)的理念和观点,强调语言在实际生活中的使用价值的言语行为教学在孤独症儿童教育干预中日益盛行。本研究根据普通儿童言语行为的发展规律将其划分为初级言语行为、中级言语行为和高级言语行为,并对国外不同言语行为的教学方法进行梳理总结,从而为我国孤独症儿童言语行为的教学和研究提出相关建议。     

大学英语精读课教学方法探讨

大学英语教学正在面临一场重大的变革,传统的教学理论和教学方法正在受到近代教学理论和教学方法的挑战.文章就精读课教学方法做一探讨.     

A parallel memory architecture for video coding

To efficiently exploit the performance of single instruction multiple data （SIMD） architectures for video coding, a parallel memory architecture with power-of-two memory modules is proposed. It employs two novel skewing schemes to provide conflict-free access to adjacent elements （8-bit and 16-bit data types） or with power-of-two intervals in both horizontal and vertical directions, which were not possible in previous parallel memory architectures. Area consumptions and delay estimations are given respectively with 4, 8 and 16 memory modules. Under a 0.18-pm CMOS technology, the synthesis results show that the proposed system can achieve 230 MHz clock frequency with 16 memory modules at the cost of 19k gates when read and write latencies are 3 and 2 clock cycles, respectively. We implement the proposed parallel memory architecture on a video signal processor （VSP）. The results show that VSP enhanced with the proposed architecture achieves 1.28× speedups for H.264 real-time decoding.     

词汇能力评测的立体观

本文考察语言学习中的一个重要组成部分——词汇能力。关于语言学习者的词汇能力,传统上一般以词汇总量为衡量标准。这里我们力图强调可以代表词语能力的其他几个方面,并试图说明,词汇总量实际上只是评估词语能力的一个最直观常用的指标,只有结合其他几个侧面,特别是词语的丰富度和词语的个性（或难度）,多侧面立体看待词汇发展,才能全面准确地了解一个语言学习者在词语方面的发展。本文着重介绍评价国际上比较通行的几种词汇评测手段,希望对我们的对外汉语教学实践有所启迪。