Reading Test Research Articles

Later ("evening") circadian preference is associated with poorer executive, academic, and attentional functioning in adolescents with and without ADHD.

Adolescents vary considerably in their circadian phase preference; those with greater "eveningness" (also known as "night owls") have later bedtimes, wake times, and peak arousal compared to those with greater "morningness." Prior research suggests that (a) greater eveningness is associated with worse academic, executive, and attentional functioning; and (b) adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) tend to be high in eveningness and to have deficits in these school-related constructs. However, few studies have examined circadian preference alongside two potential confounds-sleep duration and sleep quality-as predictors of daytime functioning, or whether the strength of associations differs across adolescents with and without ADHD. Participants were 302 adolescents (Mage = 13.17 years; 44.7% female; 81.8% White); approximately half (52%) had ADHD. A multi-method, multi-informant design was used. Specifically, adolescents reported on their circadian preference, school night sleep duration, and sleep quality. Adolescents provided ratings of their academic motivation (intrinsic, extrinsic, and amotivation) and were administered standardized achievement tests in reading and math. Adolescents and parents completed ratings of daily life executive functioning (behavioral, emotion, and cognitive regulation), and they and teachers also provided ratings of ADHD inattentive symptoms. Above and beyond sleep duration, sleep quality, and covariates (sex, family income, pubertal development, medication use), greater eveningness was uniquely associated with poorer academic, executive, and attentional functioning across most measures. Sleep quality was uniquely associated with a handful of outcomes, and sleep duration was not significantly uniquely associated with any outcome in the regression analyses. ADHD status did not moderate effects. This study provides compelling evidence that poorer academic, executive, and attentional functioning are more closely associated with greater eveningness than with sleep duration or quality in adolescents. Findings suggest that targeting circadian preference may be important to reduce these problems in adolescents, especially in clinical samples such as ADHD for whom academic, executive, and attentional difficulties are exceptionally common.

Looking into EFL Students’ Intercultural Awareness and Its Relation with Varying Social Media Exposure and Reading Ability

With explosive growth of technology and globalization, seeing vastly different culture has become part of our daily life as seen in social media. Students’ social media exposure is closely related to their reading activity. Thus, great reading ability leads to great intercultural awareness. This study aimed to investigate EFL students’ intercultural awareness and its relation with varying social media exposure and reading ability. The quantitative study employed ex-post-facto design, with participation of 183 EFL students purposively recruited from Informatics Study Program in a private univerisity in Jakarta, Indonesia. The data collected using online questionnaires and reading tests were analyzed using SPSS 27. With this software, descriptive statistics were made to compare means, percentages, and standard deviations of students’ intercultural awareness. Paired-samples t-tests were run to find out a significant difference in participants’ intercultural awareness by varying social media use and reading ability. The results revealed EFL students’ high intercultural awareness with no significant difference found in students’ varying social media use and with a significant difference found in students’s varying reading ability. In conclusion, EFL students’ intercultural awareness is influenced significantly by their reading abilities rather than their social media exposure.

Analisis Kemampuan Membaca Lancar Level 2 Siswa SD

Fluent reading is the ability to master codes consisting of words by paying attention to the following factors: the ability to identify words automatically, the speed at which words move from one word to another, the procedures or expressions used in oral reading and accuracy. in translating the code to ensure the decoding process and understanding of the text being read. Therefore, the aim of this research is to analyze students' fluent reading abilities at level 2 in terms of reading accuracy and speed as well as fluency in reading texts with appropriate pauses, intonation and expression. The method used is a case study method through a reading test which is designed to assess the three main components of pauses, intonation and expression. The research subjects consisted of 3 2nd grade elementary school students|

Combining Statistical and Machine Learning Methods to Identify Predictors of Brazilian Students’ Proficiency in PISA 2018

Brazil’s education system lags behind international standards, with two-fifths of students scoring below the minimum level of proficiency in mathematics, science, and reading. Thus, this study combined machine learning with traditional statistics to identify the most important predictors and to interpret their effects on proficiency in the PISA 2018 mathematics, science, and reading tests. Predictors encompassed a wide range of variables, sociodemographic characteristics, teaching and learning processes, and non-cognitive skills. The outcome of the present study was proficiency in mathematics, science, and reading. PISA proficiency levels were grouped into “low proficiency” and “proficient” categories, using a classification system commonly employed in PISA reports. Using random forest analysis, a machine learning method, I compared the importance of predictors for proficiency in mathematics, science, and reading. I then adjusted multilevel logistic regression analyses to investigate the relationship between the top predictors and the outcomes. Among the top predictors for the three outcomes identified, annual household income, parents’ highest occupational status, and early childhood education and care were positively associated with proficiency in mathematics, science, and reading, while grade repetition and additional instruction were negatively associated with these outcomes. These findings urge Brazilian policymakers and educators to prioritize initiatives that strengthen early childhood programs, minimize grade repetition, and promote effective learning strategies.

Development and Validation of Performance-Based Assessment of Daily Living Tasks in Age-Related Macular Degeneration.

To establish the reliability and validity of five performance-based activities of daily living task tests (ADLTT), to correlate structure to function, to evaluate the impact of visual impairment (VI) on age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and to develop new outcome measures. A multidisciplinary team developed five ADLTTs: (1) reading test (RT); (2) facial expression (FE) recognition; (3) item search (IS) task; (4) money counting (MC) task; and (5) making a drink (MD), tested with binocular and monocular vision. ADLTTs were tested for known-group (i.e., difference between AMD group and controls) and convergent (i.e., correlation to other measures of visual function), validity metrics, and test-retest reliability in 36 patients with VI (visual acuity (logMAR VA > 0.4) in at least one eye caused by AMD versus 36 healthy controls without VI. Compared to controls, AMD patients had a slower reading speed (-77.41 words/min; P < 0.001); took longer to complete MC using monocular worse eye and binocular vision (15.13 seconds and 4.06 seconds longer compared to controls, respectively; P < 0.001); and MD using monocular worse eye vision (9.37 sec; P = 0.033), demonstrating known-group validity. Only RT and MC demonstrated convergent validity, showing correlations with VA, contrast sensitivity, and microperimetry testing. Moderate to good test-retest reliability was observed for MC and MD (interclass correlation coefficient = 0.55 and 0.77; P < 0.001) using monocular worse eye vision. Real-world ADL functioning associated with VI-related AMD can be assessed with our validated ADLTTs, particularly MC and MD. This study validates visual function outcome measures that are developed for use in future clinical practice and clinical trials.

Alouette-R normative data for French-speaking school-aged children living in Quebec.

The Alouette-R (2005) by Lefavrais is one of the most widely used tools to assess reading skills in French. However, this instrument does not have normative data specific to the French-speaking population of Quebec, Canada. The validity of an assessment being strongly compromised when using inappropriate norms, the first objective of this study was to establish local norms for the Alouette-R. The second objective was to provide sensitivity and specificity data for each Alouette-R measure in the French-speaking Quebec population. The third objective was to compare Quebec and French normative data and their sensitivity to better understand the applicability and effectiveness of the Alouette-R test at the regional level. A total of 347 fluent readers and 48 children with dyslexia from 3rd to 6th grades were recruited from different regions in Quebec. Participants had to read aloud the 265-word text of the Alouette-R in a maximum of 3 min. Norms (means, standard deviations and percentiles) by school grades were created for each test measure: reading time, number of words read, number of errors, number of words correctly read, reading accuracy index and reading fluency index. The sensitivity (i.e., the ability to correctly identify children with dyslexia) and specificity (i.e., the ability to correctly identify children without dyslexia) of these measurements were also documented. The norms and their sensitivity were then compared with those of the original French study by Lefavrais in 2005. The presence of differences between European and Quebec norms supports the importance of using local norms when assessing language skills. The reading accuracy and fluency indexes are the measurements that best discriminated children with dyslexia from those without a reading disorder in our study. This study will allow clinicians working in Quebec to have a better interpretation of the Alouette-R measurements and ultimately avoid erroneous conclusions resulting from the use of foreign normative data. What is already known on this subject The Alouette-R is a reading test validated and standardized in France to screen for dyslexia in children. The validity of existing norms with the Quebec population in Canada is questionable due to socio-linguistic differences with the population of France. What this study adds to existing knowledge This study provides for the first time normative and sensitivity/specificity data of the Alouette-R for French-speaking school-aged children living in Quebec. Differences were noted with the normative data from France, which supports the importance of using local normative data when administering reading tests in Quebec. What are the potential or actual clinical implications of this work? When administering the Alouette-R, clinicians in Quebec will now be able to use normative data adapted to the local population, which will limit erroneous conclusions resulting from the use of foreign normative data. In addition, the sensitivity and specificity values reported in the article will allow these clinicians to better interpret their results when screening for a developmental reading disorder.

STEM-Based e-LKPD Development in Islamic Context to Enhance Creative Thinking in Digestive Studies

This study aims to produce teaching materials in Electronic Student Worksheets (E-LKPD) based on STEM in an Islamic context to improve creative thinking skills in the human digestive system. The development process involved validity testing by six experts, readability testing by 18 students, and field trials by one biology teacher and 36 students. The study results indicate that the developed E-LKPD is highly valid and effective. The E-LKPD achieved an average validity rating of 90.87%, classified as feasible. Regarding readability, it scored an average of 98.84%, indicating it is highly appropriate for users. Furthermore, field trials revealed positive feedback from teachers and students, with feasibility ratings of 91.26% and 98.49%, respectively, confirming that the E-LKPD is very well-received and effective in practical use. There is an increase in the average ability to think creatively as measured through test instruments. The study significantly enhances students' creative thinking abilities by implementing E-LKPD. Before using E-LKPD, the average creative thinking score was 34.86, which increased to 72.08 after implementation, with an N-Gain of 0.55, categorized as medium. These results demonstrate that E-LKPD is highly suitable for learning activities and effectively improves students' creative thinking skills.

The impact of an online hybrid reading intervention on the reading comprehension and strategy use of Iranian English for specific purposes students in relation to an evaluated researcher-made ESP textbook

Research suggests that English for Specific Purposes (ESP) students in English-as-a-Foreign-Language (EFL) contexts have difficulties understanding the passages in technical English textbooks of various fields of study including computer software engineering. Few experimental studies to date have investigated the effect of an online hybrid reading intervention on the reading comprehension performance of these students. To fill this gap, the present experimental study sought to assist these students with comprehending the passages of an ESP textbook entitled ''Technical English for Computer Software Engineers'', developed for computer software engineering students of a non-profit university in Babol, Iran. In doing so, an 8-session online hybrid reading intervention featuring cognitive and metacognitive strategies was administered to an experimental group (n = 30) of ESP students, while the control group (n = 30) followed the conventional approach to teaching the reading skill. To track the participants' reading comprehension, International English Language Testing System (IELTS) reading tests were used before and after the intervention. Results showed that the treatment led to a statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of the reading comprehension and strategy use. In addition, the teachers' and students' perceptions with regard to the whole textbook were reported. Findings bear pedagogical significance for all the stakeholders.

Associations of childhood, adolescence, and midlife cognitive function with DNA methylation age acceleration in midlife.

Prior studies showed increased age acceleration (AgeAccel) is associated with worse cognitive function among old adults. We examine the associations of childhood, adolescence and midlife cognition with AgeAccel based on DNA methylation (DNAm) in midlife. Data are from 359 participants who had cognition measured in childhood and adolescence in the Child Health and Development study, and had cognition, blood based DNAm measured during midlife in the Disparities study. Childhood cognition was measured by Raven's Progressive Matrices and Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test (PPVT). Adolescent cognition was measured only by PPVT. Midlife cognition included Wechsler Test of Adult Reading (WTAR), Verbal Fluency (VF), Digit Symbol (DS). AgeAccel measures including Horvath, Hannum, PhenoAge, GrimAge and DunedinPACE were calculated from DNAm. Linear regressions adjusted for potential confounders were utilized to examine the association between each cognitive measure in relation to each AgeAccel. There are no significant associations between childhood cognition and midlife AgeAccel. A 1-unit increase in adolescent PPVT, which measures crystalized intelligence, is associated with 0.048-year decrease of aging measured by GrimAge and this association is attenuated after adjustment for adult socioeconomic status. Midlife crystalized intelligence measure WTAR is negatively associated with PhenoAge and DunedinPACE, and midlife fluid intelligence measure (DS) is negatively associated with GrimAge, PhenoAge and DunedinPACE. AgeAccel is not associated with VF in midlife. In conclusion, our study showed the potential role of cognitive functions at younger ages in the process of biological aging. We also showed a potential relationship of both crystalized and fluid intelligence with aging acceleration.

School Readiness Predictors of Early Academic Achievement in Children Born Very Preterm.

This study examined associations of school readiness measures obtained before school entry with academic achievement at early school age in children born very preterm (VPT, gestational age ≤ 30 weeks) and children born full term (FT, GA ≥ 37 weeks). The sample included 38 children born VPT and 30 born FT recruited at age 4 years and followed to early school age. Measures of readiness included tests of global cognition, executive function, motor abilities, and preacademic skills, as well as caregiver behavior ratings. Tests of math, reading, and spelling were administered to assess school-age achievement. Analyses that controlled for socioeconomic status and accounted for inclusion of siblings compared the groups on the achievement tests and identified measures of readiness related to school-age achievement. Achievement difficulties were more pronounced in the VPT group and associated with problems in multiple readiness domains. Effect sizes for these associations were largest for measures of spatial ability, executive function, and preacademic skills. Some associations remained significant when controlling for global cognitive ability at age 4 years, and others were significant only for the VPT group. Findings suggest that deficits on tests in multiple readiness domains assessed before school entry in children born VPT or FT are associated with early school-age achievement. The most pronounced readiness deficits in the VPT group at age 4 years were also among those most closely associated with later difficulties in achievement. Further research is needed to refine assessment of school readiness in children born VPT.

A ciascuna disciplina il suo risultato. Classi digitali vs. classi a didattica tradizionale: un confronto negli esiti degli apprendimenti

In recent years, Italy has embarked on a transformative journey to embrace technology in education. This article focuses on the adoption of digital technologies, with particular attention to the digital classroom initiative. The digital classroom experience aims to utilize digital tools and resources to facilitate an engaging and innovative mode of learning for students. This contribution examines the effects of student participation in digital classrooms on learning outcomes, comparing them with traditional classrooms within the three-year curriculum of a lower secondary school. Through an evaluative approach based on representative data from a sample of over 200 students, we analyze the impact of digital classrooms on INVALSI test results. The analyses encompass descriptive models and linear regression models applied to the results of tests in Italian, Mathematics, English Reading, and English Listening. The models introduce control variables related to the socio-economic and cultural status of the students’ families of origin, as well as their prior performance in INVALSI tests (grades II and V), for students continuing in the same institution through the primary cycle. The results indicate the need for distinct considerations depending on the discipline under analysis: for Mathematics, belonging to a traditionally taught class seems to yield better results. In the case of Italian, English Reading, and English Listening, the effect is neutral. Socio-economic and cultural status appears to have less influence on English-related disciplines, and the trend, though not statistically significant, demonstrates partially positive effects in digital classroom participation, particularly for students with cognitive vulnerabilities. The outcomes underscore the necessity of discipline-specific differentiation and further assessment of outputs to delve into the specifics of innovative didactics implemented in digital classrooms.

Improving word reading skills of low‐skilled readers: An intervention combining a syllable‐based approach with digital game‐based features

AbstractBackgroundChildren with low reading skills are less frequently engaged in reading activities and therefore the likelihood of improving their reading skills decreases. Digital game‐based interventions have emerged as a promising tool for promoting reading development in children, particularly those with reading difficulties. As syllable‐based reading interventions are likely to increase word reading skills in low‐skilled readers, we developed a new reading intervention application that emphasizes syllable segmentation and integrates proven elements of digital game‐based learning. The intervention aimed to promote phonological recoding and consolidating orthographic representation of syllables.ObjectivesThe present study investigated the effects of the newly developed syllable‐based reading intervention application on general word recognition skills, phonological recoding processes, orthographic decoding processes and text‐level reading comprehension skills in German second graders.MethodsIn a quasi‐experimental design, children with low word recognition skills were randomly assigned to a treatment group (n = 66) or a wait‐list group (n = 66). General word recognition skills, phonological recoding processes, orthographic decoding processes and text‐level reading comprehension were measured with standardized German reading tests before and after the treatment group received the digital reading intervention for 20 sessions.ResultsResults indicated that the children in the treatment group showed significant improvement in general word recognition and in phonological recoding processes compared to equally low‐skilled untreated children in the wait‐list group. Orthographic decoding processes improved only in children with less severe impairments, whereas no significant improvements were found in text‐level reading comprehension.Take AwaysThe digital reading intervention is a promising approach for supporting word reading in low‐skilled reading second graders and can serve as an effective intervention tool for this target group.

Efficacy of coloured lenses for patients diagnosed with visual stress

ABSTRACT Clinical relevance Colour overlays and lenses are used to relieve symptoms in some patients diagnosed with visual stress, but evidence to support this practice is lacking. In this small randomised crossover trial, a range of colours are beneficial and precise colour specification does not enhance this effect. Background This randomised, double-masked crossover trial aimed to test effectiveness of precisely selected lens tints for visual stress. Methods Twenty-nine participants aged 11 to 72 (mean 30) years diagnosed with visual stress were issued with their selected coloured overlay then with tinted lenses at two colour settings. An eye examination and coloured overlay test were followed by intuitive colorimetry to select a colour to minimise symptoms (optimal tint) and the closest setting at which the symptoms returned (sub-optimal, or placebo tint). The tints were worn for one month each in randomised order. Reading speed was measured using the Wilkins Rate of Reading Test, a subjective scale was used to gauge symptoms, and the patient was asked to indicate whether one of the tints alleviated their symptoms more than the other. Results Reading speed was significantly higher with colour than without (p < 0.001), but was similar with the overlay and both tints (p = 1.0). Discomfort/distortion rating (1–7) was lower with colour than without (p < 0.001), but no difference was found between the overlay and both tints (p > 0.1). About half (47%) of the patients preferred/strongly preferred their optimal tint, and 39% preferred/strongly preferred their sub-optimal tint, while 14% had no preference. Conclusions While our patients read more quickly and were more comfortable when using a tint, there was no difference in outcome between the optimal and sub-optimal tints. These results suggest that for patients diagnosed with visual stress, precision tints are no more helpful than sub-optimal, placebo tints.

Evaluating scholastic achievement in pediatric brain tumor survivors compared to healthy controls.

10065 Background: Radiotherapy (RT) causes cognitive deficits in pediatric brain tumor survivors (PBTS). This has traditionally been measured using exams such as serial IQ tests administered after diagnosis. Scholastic data provides pre-diagnostic measurements and is practical for patients and families. In our state, testing in reading and mathematics is mandated annually for grades 3-11. We sought to evaluate scholastic achievement in PBTS pre- and post-RT treatment. Methods: With IRB approval, we retrospectively analyzed scholastic achievement in children (&lt;21) with primary brain tumors treated with RT at our institution. Eligible children all resided within the state of the institution and were treated 2007-2020. The state’s Department of Education (DOE) provided test scores, school grades, and accommodations, which were matched to institutional clinical data. The other scholastic outcome of interest was Achievement Level (range 1-5 where 5 reflects highest achievement) from state-mandated standardized assessments in Mathematics and Reading, tested annually in grades 3-11. The DOE also provided scholastic data on healthy children matched 3:1 to treated patients by year, district, age, and whether the child was eligible for free or reduced lunch. A general linear mixed-effects model was performed with the above dependent variables and independent variables grade, time (a binary value being pre- or post-time of RT), and treatment (a child being treated or healthy). The interaction term of time*treatment was the outcome of interest, with α=0.1 for this pilot. Odds ratios (ORs) are reported. Results: A total of 200 students were available for analysis: 50 recruited patients and 150 matched controls identified by the DOE with median age 11.6 years at treatment and 7 years median follow-up. Fifty-two percent were eligible for free or reduced lunch. Fifty-six percent received craniospinal irradiation. Thirty-seven (60%) children had post-treatment scholastic data with 179 annual observations available. Of those, there were 10 (6%) physical education waivers, 32 (18%) testing accommodations, and 6 (3%) academic retentions. Compared to matched controls, treated patients were significantly more likely to receive accommodations (OR=31; p=0.001) and significantly less likely to receive a standard grade promotion (OR=0.57; p=0.005) or passing Mathematics scores (OR=0.47; p=0.05). Conclusions: We present the first reporting of scholastic data for United States PBTS. We demonstrate a novel method using existing state mandated school performance testing to evaluate academic performance in PBTS receiving RT. Compared to matched healthy children, we noted significantly increased needs and worse scholastic performance for PBTS. Evaluating scholastic success is an unmet need for PBTS, and we demonstrate the feasibility of using school performance as a novel patient-centered metric.

Education transformation in Indonesia requires the implementation of differentiated learning

This study describes teachers’ perceptions of implementing education transformation after the Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The research method uses a mixed-method approach: quantitative and qualitative. Quantitative data collection using questionnaires. Analysis of quantitative data using the Rasch model. Qualitative data analysis through the collection, reduction, and presentation. The respondents of this research are 389 teachers in Indonesia. The questionnaire instrument contains 21 items of statements. Before being sent to teachers via the Google form, the questionnaire had met the readability test by 10 teachers. This research found that the most effortless education transformation is related to the education ecosystem. However, implementations still challenging to implement are related to pedagogy, especially the implementation of differentiated learning. Therefore, this study implies that the educational ecosystem needs to be maintained. Meanwhile, pedagogics, especially those related to differentiated learning, must be improved with various training to recognize student learning styles, multiple intelligences, learning readiness, teacher socio-emotional, and student socio-cultural.

Improving Student Initial Reading and Reading Comprehension Skills Using Picture Card Media at 7th Grade SMP Bina Insan Mandiri Bogor

Improving Student Reading Loud and Reading Comprehension Skills Using Picture Card Media at SMP Bina Insan Mandiri Bogor. The aim of this study was to improve beginning reading skills using picture cards for 7th-grade students at SMP Bina Insan Mandiri Bogor. This type of research is Classroom Action Research (PTK) which is conducted in two cycles. The research design uses the Kemmis Mc model. Teggart with the subjects in this study were grade 7th with a total of 35 students. Techniques for collecting data used 1) oral reading tests and written reading comprehension tests, 2) observation, and 3) documentation. The data analysis technique uses descriptive statistical analysis, namely by finding the average. Indicators of student success must be achieved with a class average of 70 and a completeness of 80%. The results of the study show that learning about early reading using picture cards in English subjects can improve the reading skills of grade 7th at SMP Bina Insan Mandiri Bogor. 2. Pre-cycle reading ability was 65 and 54% completeness, in cycle 1 there was an increase to 68 and 66% completeness, in cycle II 74.14 with 88% completeness. In this study, the reading ability of class 7th SMP Bina Insan Mandiri Bogor with pronunciation, intonation, and reading comprehension increased until they reached the minimum mastery criteria (KKM) that had been set, namely 70 and 80% completeness in class. In cycle 1 use picture cards with a size of 13x6cm and with attractive colours. In cycle II use a bigger card, size 18x6 to facilitate learning for students in understanding reading.

In utero aspirin exposure and child neurocognitive development: A propensity score-matched analysis.

To evaluate the association between a short-period, high-dose in utero aspirin exposure and child neurocognitive development. A propensity score-matched analysis of a multicentre prospective cohort study. The US Collaborative Perinatal Project (1959-1976). A total of 50 565 singleton live births with maternal information. We performed a propensity score matching to balance maternal characteristics between women with and without aspirin exposure. Inverse probability-weighted marginal structural models were used to estimate associations between aspirin exposure and child neurocognitive assessments. Child neurocognitive development was assessed using the Bayley Scales at 8 months, the Stanford Binet Intelligence Scale at 4 years, and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale and Wide-Range Achievement Test (WRAT) at 7 years. Children exposed to aspirin in utero were associated with an 8%-16% reduced risk of having suspect/abnormal or below-average scores in most neurocognitive assessments. A trend of lower risks of having suspect/abnormal or below-average scores was further observed in children with in utero aspirin exposure for more than 7 days, particularly on Bayley Mental (relative risk [RR] 0.82, 95% CI 0.74-0.92), WRAT Reading (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.78-0.98) and WRAT Arithmetic tests (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.66-0.86). This association was mainly observed in the second trimester of pregnancy. In utero aspirin exposure was associated with improved child neurocognitive development in a prospective cohort study. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the impact of long-period and low-dose in utero aspirin exposure on child short- and long-term neurodevelopment.

Readability of online educational materials for brainstem implants: An assessment

Aim: This study aimed to assess the readability of online patient education materials related to brainstem implants and to determine how comprehensible these materials are for patients and their families. Methods: Using Google Search with the term “auditory brainstem implant”, the first 50 websites were identified and categorized into two: Hospital and General Information Websites. Non-educational texts were removed from each site, and readability was assessed using six established readability tests. The readability scores for the texts were automatically calculated using a dedicated online tool. Results: Overall, all websites were found to have a high level of readability, surpassing the recommended 6th-grade reading level suggested by the American Medical Association. No significant difference was found between the readability scores of hospitals and general information websites. Conclusions: The online patient education materials concerning brainstem implants typically exceed the recommended reading levels, which may hinder patients and their families from fully understanding these materials. There’s a need for health professionals and institutions to strike a balance between scientific accuracy and readability to cater to a broader audience and make their materials more accessible.

Why higher-level reading is important

Societies are facing fundamental transformations as digital technologies are changing the ways we live, interact, work, study and read. The social and cultural impact of the digitization process on reading skills and practices remains under-researched. While digital technologies offer much potential for new forms of reading, recent empirical research shows that the digital environment is having a negative impact on reading, in particular on long-form reading and reading comprehension. It also remains unclear whether the transition to digital media actually lives up to its promise of improving learning outcomes. Recent studies of various kinds indicate a decline of crucial higher-level reading competencies and practices, such as critical and conscious reading, slow reading, non-strategic reading and long-form reading. Current educational policy, meanwhile, relies heavily on monocultural standardized testing of basic reading ca­pabilities and on growing use of digital technologies. Reading education, assessment, research and policy-making should focus more on higher-level reading practices in both adults and children in order to understand the development of reading skills and practices in an age increasingly dependent on a ubiquitous digital infrastructure.

Structural Complexity in Adapted Reading Materials: A Study Based on the Amount of Information

AbstractMost of the previous studies focused on lexical and syntactic features in adapted texts while little attention has been paid to the structural complexity from the perspective of the amount of information. In this study, we intend to examine the differences in structural complexity in adapted texts from the perspective of the amount of information at the lexical and grammatical levels. We also aim to identify the lexical and grammatical features that contribute most to such differences. The data used in this study were reading texts from Newsela, that is, reading materials for English learners under the educational system of K‐12 in the United States. This study yields several findings of interest. First, the adapted texts differ in the structural complexity at both lexical and grammatical levels in terms of their amount of information. Second, the differences display a decreasing trend. That is, the differences become smaller when the level of the text increases. Third, function words and part‐of‐speech trigrams with a preposition(s) and/or a noun(s) contribute most to the differences. The findings provide significant implications for the adaptation of language materials such as reading texts and test materials.