Changes in Reading Strategies as a Function of Reading Training: A Comparison of Live and Computerized Training

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the relative effectiveness of live (SERT) and computer-based (iSTART) reading strategy training. Prior to and after training, participants read scientific texts and self-explained after each sentence. They also answered comprehension questions. Students showed improvement in the quality of their self-explanations and in the performance on the comprehension questionsasa function of both live and computer-based training. However, there were some differences in response to iSTART training as a function of reading skill. Specifically, less skilled readers improved their performance on text-based questions, but not bridging questions. The opposite was found for skilled readers. These results indicate that computer-based, reading-skills training is effective, but different readers may improve at different levels of comprehension.