Speed reading programs
SPEED READING PROGRAMS
Speed reading programs began sprouting everywhere recently. In the late 1950s, a device was introduced to increase an individual’s speed in reading at a remarkable depth of comprehension. This device was developed by Evelyn Wood, a teacher whose interest was piqued by the differences in the reading speed of individuals she has observed. This observation also motivated her to work at improving her reading speed. She accidentally discovered the effect of using a pacer or a pointer on the smoothness of the flow of reading. The term ’speed reading’ is attributed to be coined by her.
Speed reading programs are grounded on the theory or proposition of reading specialists and researchers on the parallel significance of speed and comprehension or of quantity and quality. Increasing the number of words a person can read in a given time and the level of understanding on the text or document are to be balanced in speed reading programs. Speed reading programs put emphasis on the type of reading that is needed, the risks of misunderstanding that shallow comprehension can bring and the benefits the reader can acquire from reading the material quickly and understanding the contained information.
One of the prominent figures who believed in the importance of speed reading programs is US President John F. Kennedy. His being a fan of speed reading programs are manifested in his encouragement to his office staff and personnel to enroll in speed reading programs. Another US President who is a fan of speed reading programs is Jimmy Carter. The former president and his wife took part in speed reading programs and also brought along with them their personnel.
Different speed reading programs use different approaches and methods to ensure comprehension in speed reading. Eliminating or reducing subvocalization is a feature common to most, if not all, of speed reading programs. It is already a known proposition that subvocalization can serve as a hindrance or a difficulty against maximizing speed reading. Some speed reading programs also believe that only one level of subvocalization reduces speed in reading while others also consider the positive use of subvocalization in reading and learning key words or phrases.
Several speed reading programs also make use of computer software and other technological advancements. One of the pioneer computer applications used in speed reading programs is Vortex Speed Reading. This software teaches proper eye movement to students of speed reading programs by presenting only a single word at a time that the students should focus their eyes on. Another approach used in speed reading programs is presenting words in a serial stream. This intervention used in some speed reading programs earned strong support from the National Reading Panel Report in 2000.
Another method that can be observed in other speed reading programs entails presenting longer and longer lines of text at the center of the screen that a student should view. Objects, instead of words, are also displayed in other speed reading programs, but this approach received criticism in the contention that viewing objects will not be an effective method to teach individuals to read text.
