Exploring Sources of Reading Comprehension Difficulties Among English Language Learners

• In Event: 14.046 - Poster Session 1
  In Poster Session: 14.046-10 - Division C Section 1a Poster Session

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the sources of reading comprehension difficulties in unexpected poor comprehenders among English Language Learners. Unexpected poor comprehenders have poor reading comprehension in spite of normal word reading skills. They have been neglected in schools because they are fluent in reading a passage aloud but reveal problems when asked about the meaning of the passage.

124 Grades 4, 5, and 6 English Language Learners participated in this study. They were administered by the reading comprehension and reading-related measures. Results showed that vocabulary is the main source to understand these unexpected poor comprehenders’ reading problems and higher-level skills may only contribute effectively to their reading comprehension once their English language proficiency has reached a certain level.

Author

• Miao Li, University of Houston