A Dutch comprehension test for identifying reading problems in L1 and L2 students (Research Note)

Abstract

The Dutch Text Comprehension Test was developed in order to help improve the education of minority students in the Netherlands. As it appeared that many second language (L2) readers have more difficulties with respect to the micro‐processing of words and sentences while compensating on the macro level, there was a need for an instrument with diagnostic value so as to yield clues for further remedial teaching. The test proved reliable for both L1 students and L2 students. The test, with regard to diagnosing the type of reading problem, was validated by carrying out further observations by video. Although the classification results were not optimal, the test can be used for diagnostic purposes provided that there is a relatively large difference between sub‐test scores on the micro and the macro levels.The results of a screening survey show that there are great differences in percentages of weak readers and distribution of reader types among the different secondary school types in the Netherlands. Unlike weak readers who attend the higher school types, weak readers at the lower educational school types – among them many L2 readers – are ‘problem readers’ who do not compensate for their lack of word knowledge and sentence processing and who do not appear to be efficient ‘bottom‐up readers.’ Secondary schools are therefore encouraged to screen their first year students in order to gain insight into the problems that weaker readers – including L2 readers – may have, and to develop remedial teaching programmes tailored to the different needs of L1 and L2 students.