Training reading fluency in dysfluent readers with high reading accuracy: word specific effects but low transfer to untrained words

Ann Dyslexia. 2004 Jun;54(1):89-113. doi: 10.1007/s11881-004-0005-0.

Abstract

The outcome of a training study attempting to increase German speaking poor readers' reading fluency is reported. The aim of the training was to help children establish orthographic representations for a limited set of training words as well as for high-frequency onset clusters. A sample of 20 dysfluent readers (8-11 years) received a computerized training of repeated reading of a limited set of 32 training words over a period of up to 25 days. Each day training words were presented up to six times with a special emphasis on the onset segment. Post-tests were carried out one and five weeks after the last training day. A considerable decrease in reading times could be achieved for the trained words that remained stable for both post-tests, however, even for the limited set of training words a remarkable amount of repetitions did not lead to age adequate word recognition speed. Generalization to untrained words starting with a trained onset cluster (transfer words) was statistically reliable but small.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Controlled Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Dyslexia / therapy*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Reaction Time
  • Reading*
  • Reference Values
  • Remedial Teaching
  • Semantics*
  • Transfer, Psychology*
  • Verbal Learning*