Theories and Research on Oral Reading Fluency: What Is Needed?

Date
2020-04
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
2020 ACADEMY PUBLICATION
Abstract
Oral reading fluency skill is considered to be the bridge to reading comprehension. However, it has been neglected in many English reading programs despite the fact that different theories (including behaviorism, information processing model theory, automaticity theory, and Ehri and McCormick’s word learning theory) have shed light on this skill. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to review theories, studies and practices relevant to this skill. This study has two aims: (1) to identify the theories underpinning oral reading strategies and (2) to identify the gap in research so far conducted on oral reading fluency. Various reading-aloud techniques and assessment methods are presented in this study. Moreover, some factors that affect students’ oral reading fluency are illustrated. Significantly, the practices that this study investigates and presents concerning teaching and assessing oral reading fluency might give an inspiration for the policymakers and curriculum designers to integrate oral reading fluency in their reading programs.
Description
Keywords
oral reading fluency, theories, reading-aloud instructions, assessment methods, factors affecting oral reading fluency.
Citation
Aldhanhani, Z.R. and Abu-Ayyash, E.A.S. (no date) “Theories and Research on Oral Reading Fluency: What Is Needed?,” Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 10(4), pp. 379–388.