The Differing Effect of Computerized Dynamic Assessment of L2 Reading Comprehension on High and Low Achievers

Abstract

The present study investigates the effectiveness of using a computerized dynamic reading comprehension test (CDRT) on Iranian EFL students with a moderate level of proficiency. Using an interventionist approach, the researchers have developed a software which provides the learners with prefabricated strategy-based mediations for each item. The software provides two scores for each learner; a nondynamic score that represents the learner's ability to answer the test without using the mediations and a dynamic score which represents the learners' ability to answer the test items using mediations in a stepwise fashion. The results revealed that providing mediation in the form of hints contributed significantly to the increase of students` scores, and consequently to the improvement of their text comprehension. Moreover, this study confirmed that low achievers would benefit more than high achievers from a dynamic test of reading comprehension. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of Journal of Language Teaching & Research is the property of Academy Publisher and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)