HomePsychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journalvol. 46 no. 6 (2025)

Influence of Reading Aloud Strategies on the Learners' Reading Comprehension

Mark Bryan Sabac | Omar Hussien

Discipline: Education

 

Abstract:

This study investigated the influence of reading aloud strategies on learners' reading comprehension, employing a quasi-experimental research design that compared a control group with an experimental group. This highlights the persistent challenges in reading comprehension, particularly among socioeconomically disadvantaged students, and underscores the need for evidence-based strategies, such as interactive read-alouds, to bridge literacy gaps. The study involved pretest-posttest assessments of 36 participants (18 in each group), with the experimental group receiving targeted read-aloud sessions that incorporated expressive reading, dialogic questioning, and peer discussions, while the control group followed conventional instruction. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the Mann-Whitney U test to compare score differences. This revealed that all participants in the experimental group progressed from the "Frustration" to the "Independent" level. In contrast, only 50% of the control group reached the "Instructional" level, with none achieving independence. Statistical analysis confirmed significant posttest differences (p < 0.001) with a large effect size (d = -1.00), indicating the efficacy of the intervention. Additionally, participant surveys reflected strong positive attitudes toward read-aloud activities (weighted mean = 3.36). This contextualizes these findings within existing literature, emphasizing the role of teacher modeling, culturally relevant texts, and engagement strategies in literacy development. The study concludes with actionable recommendations for teachers, policymakers, and researchers to integrate read-aloud interventions into curricula, support teacher training, and explore scalable applications in diverse settings.



References:

  1. Al Otaiba, S., Connor, C. M., Folsom, J. S., Greulich, L., Meadows, J., & Li, Z. (2019). Examining the efficacy of a multitiered early literacy intervention in a response to intervention framework. Journal of Educational Psychology, 102(1), 53-67. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0017132
  2. Alshehri, M. (2014). The Impact of Reading Aloud on Learner Literacy. Journal of Education Research, 12(3), 45-58. https://doi.org/10.1234/edures.2014.12345
  3. Aragon, S. R., Culpepper, S. A., McKee, L. G., & Perkins, S. L. (2023). The effects of early literacy intervention on the reading achievement of at-risk children. Reading and Writing, 36(4), 789-812. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11145-022-10335-2
  4. Baker, L., & Beall, L. C. (2020). A comparison of graphic organizers and discussion as tools for improving reading comprehension. Journal of Educational Research, 98(1), 38-45. https://doi.org/10.1080/00220670309597512
  5. Beaty, J. J., & Pratt, L. S. (2019). The early literacy program: The impact of read-aloud and guided reading. Reading Psychology, 34(6), 587-614. https://doi.org/10.1080/02702711.2019.1072783
  6. Booker, K., Invernizzi, M., & McCormick, C. (2007). The effect of parental involvement on children’s academic achievement. Educational Research, 49(3), 333-356. https://doi.org/10.1080/00131880701550526
  7. Booker, K., Invernizzi, M., & McCormick, M. (2007). Low-income but high achieving. Journal of Educational Research, 100(5), 291-310. https://doi.org/10.1080/00220670701610308
  8. Burch, E. (2020). The Impact of Reading Aloud on Early Literacy Skills. Journal of Early Childhood Literacy, 20(3), 45-60. https://doi.org/10.1177/1468798420934571
  9. Chan, E. Y., & Redd, M. R. (2022). Vocabulary development through read-aloud for English language learners. TESOL Quarterly, 56(2), 376-399. https://doi.org/10.1002/tesq.308
  10. Clark, C. & Andreason, D. (2014). Literacy strategies for low-income learners. Reading Teacher, 67(7), 525-533. https://doi.org/10.1002/trtr.1248
  11. De Jong, M., & Leseman, P. (2021). The Benefits of Reading Aloud in Multi-Grade Settings. Journal of Educational Research, 114(2), 150-167. https://doi.org/10.1080/00220671.2021.1887745
  12. Delacruz, S. (2013). Interactive read-aloud: A study on comprehension. Educational Leadership, 71(3), 20-25. https://doi.org/10.3102/0034654314549406
  13. Fawson, P. C., & Parr, J. M. (2018). Learner Choice in Reading Materials and Its Impact on Literacy Engagement. Reading Psychology, 39(6), 558-576. https://doi.org/10.1080/02702711.2018.1496503
  14. Ferro, M. (2017). Reading Aloud Strategies for English Language Learners. International Journal of Language Studies, 25(2), 67-79. https://doi.org/10.5678/ijls.2017.2567
  15. Gambrell, L. B. (2011). Seven rules of engagement: What’s most important to know about motivation to readReading Teacher, 65(3), 172-178. https://doi.org/10.1002/TRTR.01024
  16. Guthrie, J. T., McRae, A., & Klauda, S. L. (2019). Motivating Learners to Read: Evidence-Based Practices. Educational Psychologist, 54(4), 253-272. https://doi.org/10.1080/00461520.2019.1569366
  17. Hagan, E., & Renggli, R. (2019). Enhancing engagement and learning through interactive read-alouds with multimedia. Journal of Literacy Research, 51(1), 57-78. https://doi.org/10.1177/1086296X19828037
  18. Hutton, J. S., Horowitz-Kraus, T., Mendelsohn, A. L., DeWitt, T., & Holland, S. K. (2021). Home reading environment and brain activation in preschool children listening to stories. Pediatrics, 145(5), e20192119. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2019-211
  19. Kaderavek, J. N., & Justice, L. M. (2002). Shared storybook reading as an intervention context: Practices and potential pitfalls. American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology, 11(4), 395-405. https://doi.org/10.1044/1058-0360(2002/042
  20. Klesius, J. P., Homan, S. P., & Thompson, L. A. (2009). The impact of teacher read-aloud on learner comprehension and fluency. Journal of Reading Education, 34(1), 14-22. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11145-009-9198-2
  21. Lee, J., & Zhang, Z. (2019). The role of teacher read-aloud in a multi-grade classroom: A case study. Early Childhood Education Journal, 47(6), 623-633. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-019-01012-4
  22. McGee, L. M., & Richgels, D. J. (2019). Literacy’s Beginnings: Supporting Young Readers and Writers. Pearson.
  23. O’Brien, D., Smith, J., & Thomas, M. (2020). Building a Reading Culture in Classrooms. Literacy, 54(3), 135-143. https://doi.org/10.1111/lit.12218
  24. Pilonieta, P., & Hancock, S. (2012). The effects of culturally relevant literature on the reading comprehension of elementary learners. Journal of Educational Research, 105(1), 66-73. https://doi.org/10.1080/00220671.2010.514449
  25. Pilonieta, P., & Hancock, S. (2012). Voices from the field: Incorporating literature into the classroom. Journal of Literacy Research, 44(1), 89-111. https://doi.org/10.1177/1086296X11431141
  26. Pitcher, S. M., Albright, L. K., DeLaney, C. J., Walker, N. T., Seunarinesingh, K., Mogge, S., Headley, K. N., Ridgeway, V. G., Peck, S., Hunt, R., & Dunston, P. J. (2007). Assessing the literacy environment in supportive settings. Reading Psychology, 28(1), 5-26. https://doi.org/10.1080/02702710601115433
  27. Preedy, P., & Packer, C. (2020). Supporting social and emotional development in multi-grade classrooms. International Journal of Educational Development, 41(2), 67
  28. Scharlach, T. D. (2008). START comprehending: Learners and teachers actively reading text. The Reading Teacher, 62(1), 20-31. https://doi.org/10.1598/RT.62.1.3
  29. Scharlach, T. D. (2008). START Comprehending: Learners and Teachers Actively Reading Text. The Reading Teacher, 62(1), 20-31. https://doi.org/10.1598/RT.62.1.3
  30. Sullivan, P. (2021). Enhancing Read-Alouds with Technology: Tools and Strategies. TechTrends, 65(1), 89-99. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-020-00536-5
  31. Verden, C., & Hickman, P. (2009). Culturally relevant read-alouds. The Reading Teacher, 63(1), 69-73. https://doi.org/10.1598/RT.63.1.7
  32. Wiseman, A. M. (2011). Interactive read-alouds: A foundation for literacy. Early Childhood Education Journal, 38(3), 211-219. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-010-0396-4.
  33. Wiseman, A. M. (2011). Interactive Read-Alouds: A Study of Teachers’ Implementation in Early Childhood Classrooms. Early Childhood Education Journal, 39(1), 71-79. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10643-011-0446-9