Readers are Leaders

University of the Free State (Kovsies)

“The exercises in ‘Readers are Leaders’ are specifically developed to accelerate the learning

process. The computer reading programme comprises 15 levels each with 5 levels of difficulty

and covers Level 1 to Level 15. Levels 13 to 15 are for tertiary level students. The benefits of

the computer reading programme are automatic advancing and preset sequences allowing

users to progress through the programme independently. The depth of exercises ensures

sufficient practice to achieve improvements. The programme caters for both weak and strong

users and thus reduces the pressure of learning. Learners are challenged to increase reading

speed and to improve learning skills and results. The student's general knowledge is increased

through the variety of topics. The programme contains both English and Afrikaans content.”

Excerpt from:

“The impact of a reading programme on the development of academic literacy skills of first-year students

in the Faculty of Health Sciences.”

(Page 9, 7.2.2.2 Computer reading programme: ‘Readers are Leaders’)

Research study undertaken during the first semester 2009 with first-year students from the Faculty of

Health Sciences at the University of the Free State.

Researcher: Catrien Hattingh

Kovsie Counselling, University of the Free State

Reading Speeds:

“The following chart, based on a study by Taylor, et al. (1960) involving over 12,000 students throughout

the grades, shows normative rate performances as well as Taylor’s projections as to reasonable silent

reading rates at all levels. These rate goals have proven to be achievable by thousands of students who

have used fluency development technology over the years. Reading material should be read at the

appropriate rate for each grade level with a 70% comprehension.”

Taylor, S.E., Frankenpohl, H. l, and Pettee, J. L. 1960. Grade Level Norms for the Components of the Fundamental Reading Skills. EDS

Research and Information Bulletin, no. e. New York: EDL/McGraw.