By Robert W.

Lynn, Nanyang University

David Emmanuelle L. Torres

RELC 1972-1976

Considered the development of a reading box as of high priority

Purposes of the Article:

To show that other institutions can design their own reading box material; To suggest methods and pitfalls in preparing the same; and To propose cooperation among those who are interested in producing a regional handbook on the preparation of reading sets.

Setting: Nanyang University

Reading did nor receive sufficient emphasis Courses aim at an across-the-board improvement in their students proficiency in all language skills Choice of text was based on the challenge the text may give and the interest of the students Reading work was too infrequent Difficulty of text was not appropriate to some students Reading instruction was not focused on the skills Needed a much more systematic approach to vocabulary Mandarin Chinese was the medium of instruction

Science Research Associates Started in 1948 First published in 1957 A multi-level, self-operating method of learning Students can read or move ahead as fast and as far as their individual learning rates and capacities allow them Produces measurable results in terms of standardized reading test scores in classrooms throughout the world.

Components of SRA

Teacher's Handbook The Teacher's Handbook provides a program overview and teaching plans to use Reading Labs to maximum advantage. The appendices of the References and Resources section provide detailed, level-specific information about program selections, skills, and procedures for easy planning.

Components of SRA

Student Record Book The Student Record Book is used to chart progress within SRA Reading Labs. Students us it to record answers to exercises and questions, make corrections to their work, and record their scores. It also contains the Starting Level Guide, which is the placement tool for starting each student at the appropriate level.

Components of SRA

Program Management CD-ROM An interactive CD-ROM enables students to answer Power Builders questions on the computer. Answers are automatically scored and, when appropriate, specific Skill Builders (available in Reading Labs 2 and 3 series only) are assigned to help students focus on any skill that requires further attention. The Program Management CD-ROM collects and organizes data on students' performance to help teachers make informed instructional decisions.

Components of SRA

Power Builders Power Builders are the core of the program. Each SRA Reading Laboratory has more than 100 Power Builders, four-page booklets arranged in color-coded levels that keep students challenged as they progress through the program. Each Power Builder has three key parts: A high-interest fiction or nonfiction reading selection with accompanying photos or illustrations A Comprehension section that poses multi-leveled questions about the reading selection A Learn About Words section that includes vocabulary and word-study exercises

Components of SRA

Power Builder Key Cards Every Power Builder has a corresponding Key Card with answers to the Power Builder questions. Students use the Key Cards to score their own work, saving teachers time. In some levels of Reading Labs, when a student's responses indicate a weakness in a particular skill, the Key Card directs the student to an appropriate lesson in Skill Builders.

Components of SRA

Skill Builders Skill Builders provide reinforcement in basic comprehension, phonics, grammar, and wordstudy skills. Students are directed to the Skill Builders to reinforce skills based on answers to the Power Builders. (Available in Reading Labs 2 and 3 series only.)

Components of SRA

Skill Builder Key Cards These Key Cards allow students to score their work in the Skill Builders, saving teachers time and providing immediate feedback for students. (Available in Reading Labs 2 and 3 series only.)

Components of SRA

Rate Builders These short, timed reading selections improve fluency by helping students read faster while maintaining comprehension. Students get exactly three minutes to read a selection and answer the questions that follow. Rate Builders are organized into color-coded levels corresponding to Power Builder levels that gradually increase in reading skill level. (Available in Reading Labs 2 and 3 series only.)

Components of SRA

Rate Builder Key Cards Students grade their work using Key Cards. Which provide immediate feedback for learning success. (Available in Reading Labs 2 and 3 series only.)

Components of SRA

Listening Skill Builders Package Meet audio learning needs with this complete package. Students listen to audiocassettes or audio CDs that contain lively, interesting stories followed by comprehension questions. Each selection requires approximately 15 minutes of student time. An accompanying Listening Skill Builders Scriptbook provides printed versions of the selections and questions in a convenient printed format, which contains read-aloud options.

Drawbacks of SRA

Culture specific American point of view Vocabulary work does not cater the needs of L2 learners Too expensive

As a result
It was decided by the author and his colleague to assemble their own reading materials (reading box) aimed specifically at their students. They came up with eight sets as set out in the succeeding table.

Nanyang University Reading Sets as of May 1972

Set Pre-A A B

No. of Passages in Set 4 8 6 + 3 suppl.

Average Difficulty Level 5.7 6.9 8.3

C
D E F G

6 + 3 suppl.
6 + 4 suppl. 6 + 4 suppl. 6 + 4 suppl. 6

8.5
10.0 10 + 12.3 12.5

Procedure

Read the text Answer the comprehension questions without the aid of a dictionary or from the instructor Turn over the page to see the correct answers Check ones own answers Ask the instructor for clarification, or consult a dictionary when error is made Proceed to the Vocabulary and Word Study section at the back of the sheet Use dictionary in answering these questions Check ones own work by turning the sheet up-sidedown

Text:

Answers: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Comprehension Questions: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Vocabulary and Word Study 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Answers: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Levels

Results

Vocabulary works were better organized Best for students working on their own and at their own speed Students average gains in reading ability were significantly higher than their gains in other language skills. Favorable responses were received