The effects of reading method on the comprehension performance of Saudi EFL students

Abstract

In this study I investigated the relative effects of different reading methods on the comprehension performance of Saudi EFL 10th grade male students. The scores of participants who read threecomparable passages in three ways (oral, silent and subvocalizing) were compared. Results revealed a significant difference between oral reading and subvocalization, and between oral reading and silentreading. Oral reading had the greatest effect on comprehension performance among the three reading methods examined. All groups reported that oral reading was the most preferred readingmethod with the majority of respondents feeling the style best supported comprehension. Feedback suggested that oral reading was preferred specifically because it helps in memorizing words and texts, concentration, and practicing and pronouncing words for real world encounters. It is recommended that second language teachers and students use all available reading methods in order to identifywhich method best serves their study objectives.

Keywords

• Oral reading
• silent reading
• subvocalization
• reading comprehension
• methods of reading
• EFL
• Saudi Arabia