There are three dominate factors that are instrumental in developing a higher reading speed: desire to improve, willingness to practice and motivation. With this in mind, studies explored by The Literacy Company confirm that anyone can double or triple their reading speed while maintaining or even improving their comprehension. Research strongly supports that there is a close relationship between reading speed and comprehension. For example, progress charts of individuals pursuing improved reading training show (in most cases) that when their reading rate dropped there was also a decline in comprehension. In other words, it seems that reading one-word-at-a time actually inhibits reading for understanding. Conversely, comprehension is generally higher when readers learn to read faster. Slow readers are adversely affected by several factors that can impede their reading rate. These factors can include: limited perceptual span, slower perceptual reaction, vocalization, faulty eye movements, faulty habit of attention and concentration, lack of reading practice, fear of losing comprehension, habitual slow reading, regression, inability to identify what's important in the reading material, and efforts to remember "everything" that is read. Thus, it stands to reason that resolving any of these adverse aspects can dramatically improve one's reading rate while also increasing comprehension. However, speed alone is not enough; it is vital to develop simple strategies that complement increased reading speeds. These strategies can be explored in numerous special training programs now available to help readers overcome problems and improve their natural reading ability. There are four basic conditions that should be recognized for anyone wishing to improve their reading rate. They include: 1) checking for correctable eye defects; 2) learning to avoid pronouncing words (aloud, whispering or "inward"); 3) learning to avoid re-reading (regression); and 4) developing a wider eye-span (reading more than one word with each eye fixation). Another key element in speed reading is learning to read several words, or units of meaning, at a glance while fully absorbing what is read and being able to automatically retain its essence for later recollection. Reading rates should not be applied equally for all reading material. Therefore, one needs to learn how best to adjust reading rates to suit the reading material. As an example, reading a novel might be considerably faster than reading technical material. With experience, the reader soon learns when it's okay to speed up and when it's best to slow down in order to grasp the material with full understanding and comprehension. |
