College and University Bringing Speed Reading into the Digital Age: Practical Advice for Teachers more

Reading speed is a crucial yet overlooked component of reading fluency (Tran, 2012). Students can increase their speed in as few as 20 sessions of 10 minutes each (Chang, 2010; Chung & Nation, 2006). Little attention has been given to the impact of reading medium on fluency development. This presentation explores pedagogical implications of reading medium in speed reading instruction. Sixty-eight university students in Japan read short stories using paper copies or ESL Speed Readings, a mobile application developed by the presenter. After six weeks, students switched formats and reflected on their experiences via questionnaires. Mixed effects regression revealed that the digital medium was superior, and the questionnaires showed digital reading offered practical advantages over paper. A framework for implementing an effective speed reading program will be outlined. Attendees will receive access to free speed reading software and a learner management system to help integrate speed reading into their classrooms.