Oral and silent reading of fourth grade pupils

Abstract

Investigated whether the percentage of matter retained or comprehended is increased or diminished by oral reading. The experiments were made on 23 fourth grade children (9 girls, 14 boys) and the ages ranged from 9-14 yrs. Eight tests for silent reading and eight tests for oral reading were given. Each test consisted of reading as much as possible during a period of two mins. The results show that the children read more silently than orally, and also seemed to retain more in silent reading. Comprehension was also greater by the silent method. The teaching of silent reading in schools has been suggested. The habit of articulation has been considered as a factor that retards the reading process. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved). © 1913 American Psychological Association.