group+11+module+7+questions

1.What does research say about the topic? GJ: The notion of fluency has changed from automatic word recognition to also include comprehension. Beginning readers spend processing space on decoding and have less processing space for comprehension. Research also found that repeated readings helped students show improvement in word recognition, reading speed, and oral reading expression. JZ:Repeated reading is very beneficial in improving reading speed, word recognition, and oral expression.*The total amount of reading done in the beginning stages has a powerful effect on the development of reading skills.! JD: I believe fluency is a major component in the five essentials. If fluency is taught correctly is can increase comprehension, rate, prosody. If not, reading for meaning has not effect. Students are reading to see how many words per minute they can get.

2. Rank order the following fluency, comprehension and vocabulary in importance in the reading process. Give reasons for the ranking. GJ: Vocabulary, Fluency, Comprehension – You have to automatically recognize words or you don’t have fluency or comprehension. I put fluency second because when you are reading smoothly, have automatic word recognition, use expression and tone correctly, you are more likely to have comprehension of the text. Without the first two, you probably won’t have good comprehension JZ:Fluency, vocabulary,comprehension. I feel you first must be able to read easily instead of struggling through. Next, you have to understand the vocabulary so that the end result is comprehension! JD: Vocabulary, Fluency, comprehension: I feel vocabulary is essential to comprehension. If a Student can reading with fluency and does not know a mean of a word, comprehension is not happening. They all have to develop a good reader.

3. The NPR is different from the textbook in the fluency matter ... Why? Which position do you like better and why? GJ: The textbook states that automaticity and fluency is the same thing, while the NPR states they are different. I have to side with the NPR, because I too think of automaticity in terms of automatic word recognition and not with reading with expression. JZ: I am on the fence about this one but what GJ says makes sense. JD: The text book states that fluency can be attained in the automatic stage. The NPR states that fluency changes depending on the reading, familiarity of words, amount of practice with the text. The NPR states the fluency many not be reached when reading technical material.

Your questions GJ: Why is there confliction between the NPR and the textbook on one stating automaticity and fluency are the same, and the other stating they are different? Who are you to believe? JZ: M.E.- What is your opinion on question #3? JD: Do you agree with the NPR, their research may be more recent?