ISTART StairStepper—Using Comprehension Strategy Training to Game the Test

Tracy Arner,Kathryn S Mccarthy,Danielle S Mcnamara

doi:10.3390/computers10040048

Tracy Arner, Kathryn S Mccarthy + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/computers10040048

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Abstract

Literacy skills are critical for future success, yet over 60% of high school seniors lack proficient reading skills according to standardized tests. The focus on high stakes, standardized test performance may lead educators to “teach-to-the-test” rather than supporting transferable comprehension strategies that students need. StairStepper can fill this gap by blending necessary test prep and reading comprehension strategy practice in a fun, game-based environment. StairStepper is an adaptive literacy skill training game within Interactive Strategy Training for Active Reading and Thinking (iSTART) intelligent tutoring system. StairStepper is unique in that it models text passages and multiple-choice questions of high-stakes assessments, iteratively supporting skill acquisition through self-explanation prompts and scaffolded, adaptive feedback based on performance and self-explanations. This paper describes an experimental study employing a delayed-treatment control design to evaluate users’ perceptions of the StairStepper game and its influence on reading comprehension scores. Results indicate that participants enjoyed the visual aspects of the game environment, wanted to perform well, and considered the game feedback helpful. Reading comprehension scores of students in the treatment condition did not increase. However, the comprehension scores of the control group decreased. Collectively, these results indicate that the StairStepper game may fill the intended gap in instruction by providing enjoyable practice of essential reading comprehension skills and test preparation, potentially increasing students’ practice persistence while decreasing teacher workload.

Highlights

Literacy refers to “the ability to understand, evaluate, use, and engage with written texts to participate in society, to achieve one’s goals, and to develop one’s knowledge and potential” [1] (p. 61)
How will participants progress through the StairStepper game based on text adaptivity and scaffolded feedback?
90 min playing StairStepper self-explanation and comprehension test for Results from standardized reading assessments suggest that many students struggle to develop proficiency in literacy skills that are critical to educational and career success

Summary

Introduction

Literacy refers to “the ability to understand, evaluate, use, and engage with written texts to participate in society, to achieve one’s goals, and to develop one’s knowledge and potential” [1] (p. 61). Literacy refers to “the ability to understand, evaluate, use, and engage with written texts to participate in society, to achieve one’s goals, and to develop one’s knowledge and potential” [1] Literacy skills are critical for educational and career success, but the ability to read and comprehend various text types across multiple subjects is necessary to function in everyday life. National reading assessment data suggests that many students struggle with reading comprehension. Assessment of Educational Progress [2] on reading skills found that 63% of twelfth-grade students were below proficient in reading. These numbers suggest that additional instructional support is needed to improve students’ reading achievement as they progress through grade levels

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