The effect of speed-reading training on reading speed and comprehension levels of fourth grade primary school students

The main aim of this study is to investigate the effect of speed-reading training on the reading speeds and comprehension levels of fourth grade primary school students. To this end, the research was designed as a quasi-experimental model with pre-test and post-test control groups. The study was conducted during the spring semester of the 2023-2024 academic year, with participants being students from the fourth grade A and B sections of a public school in the central district of Bayburt. The sample of the study consists of 31 students, 16 in the experimental group and 15 in the control group. Prior to the experimental process, both classes were administered a Reading Comprehension Achievement Test as a pre-test, and reading speed measurements were taken using a text selected by the researcher. The experimental group received Speed-Reading Training conducted by the researcher twice a week, for two class hours, over a period of six weeks. After the experimental process, the data collection tools were re-administered as post-tests. The data collected within the scope of the research were analyzed using SPSS 24 software. The normality of the data was examined using the Shapiro-Wilk test, kurtosis-skewness coefficients, histograms, and box plots, leading to the decision to analyze the data using parametric tests. As a result, it was found that speed reading training had a positive effect on both reading comprehension achievement and reading speed. Based on these findings, it can be suggested that Speed-Reading Training could be applied in different schools and age groups, and that implementing it throughout the academic year could be beneficial for student achievement. It is also recommended that primary school teachers incorporate this training into their lessons.