Text-to-Speech Reading Intervention with First-Grade Students
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Authors
Thompson, Ginger
Issue Date
2005-05
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
text-to-speech , computer program , at-risk students , first-grade , literacy skills
Alternative Title
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to determine the outcomes of using a text-to-speech
computer program with first-grade at-risk students, including their skills related to the
recognition of sight words and reading fluency. In this study, a text-to-speech program
was used as a supplemental reading intervention for improving literacy skills. Ten
first-grade students participated in the study over a four-week period.
This study included data collection through pretest, posttest, surveys, observations,
interviews, and specific reading evaluations. The students used a text-to-speech program
to gain auditory and visual exposure to printed text through a variety of fiction and nonfiction
stories. The findings of the study indicated that the benefits of a text-to-speech
program have a positive influence on literacy skills. The data collected from the
interviews and observations confirmed that the students enjoyed the experience of the
reading intervention. The data collected from the surveys indicated an increase in the
number of students who chose reading as a school activity. The results of the pretest and
posttest data showed an increase in sight word recognition and a gain in reading fluency.
Implications for further research include the long-term impact of a text-to-speech
program.
The results of the study were communicated to the learning community through a
PowerPoint presentation. The presentation promoted professional collaboration among
colleagues and encouraged the use of text-to-speech as a supplement to reading
instruction.