College and University Speed Reading: Japanese university students' preferences and opinions more

Thu, Aug 10, 14:45-15:20 Asia/Tokyo

This presentation will discuss the findings from a series of speed reading exercises and post-course questionnaire carried out in an English Reading course at a Japanese university. The speed reading texts were selected from texts based on various levels of the NGSL (New General Service List) as well as graded grammar in keeping with established Extensive Reading principles. The presentation will show that twice-a-week speed reading exercises increased the students’ reading speed and comprehension skills as well as other additional benefits: increased motivation to improve reading speed, self-perceived need to continue such exercises outside of lessons, enhanced vocabulary recognition knowledge and improved general knowledge. It will also show heightened student awareness of the usefulness of improving reading speed and comprehension through regular and habitual reading of level appropriate texts.