Speed Reading Application and Comprehension among Secondary Students at Bangkok Advent School, Thailand

Abstract

This study sought to identify the relationship between speed and comprehension using a speed reading app with rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) format among secondary students of Bangkok Advent School. A correlational method and single measure between-subjects design were employed to 60 respondents with no prior experience with any Spritz-based speed reading application. Permission from school authorities and parents were secured for the data gathering procedure. The participants were randomly assigned to treatment groups including the traditional method of reading and controlled speeds of 150 wpm, 200 wpm, 250 wpm and 300 wpm using a Spritz- inspired speed reading application downloaded in Android platform smart phones and tablets. A 1,170-word-content-area-text was used for this research. After the participants were subjected to the reading treatments, a 20-item multiple choice test was administered to measure accuracy. Data were analyzed using ANCOVA as the main statistical measurement. Prior comprehension level determined by the school for each respondent was gathered and served as the covariate to be controlled during the analysis. Results showed that the traditional method of reading provides the best reading rate for the students; the reading rates of the students do not vary regardless of whether they use speed reading apps or traditional text presentations; most of the students are comfortable at 150 and 300 wpm reading rate; the students have an excellent reading comprehension level; and that no significant relationship exists between reading speed of students and their comprehension level.