The assessment of the reading speed and reading ability of Thai university commerce and accountancy students who are trained by using a computer reading program

Abstract

This research investigated the use of the computer in developing reading abilities, including speed reading and reading comprehension. In this study, 99 students from the Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy were trained in speed reading using a computer program in English. The program contained activities aimed at increasing reading spees such as eye movement, timed reading and paced reading. The performance of these students in speed reading, comprehension and general English proficiency pre-tests and post-tests was compared with that of students who did not take part in the training. The results show significant gains in the reading rates of the experimental group. Their reading comprehension and proficiency also improved but this improvement was not significantly different from that of the control group. The results of the study in the use of a speed reading computer program and its implications are then discussed.