Improving reading fluency and comprehension in adult ESL learners using bottom-up and top-down vocabulary training
Improving reading fluency and comprehension in adult ESL learners using bottom-up and top-down vocabulary training

Summary/Abstract: The current research examines the effect of two methods of vocabulary training on reading fluency and comprehension of adult English as second language(ESL) tertiary-bound students. The methods used were isolated vocabulary training (bottom-up reading) and vocabulary training in context (top-down reading). The current exploratory and quasi-experimental study examines the effectiveness of these methods in two intact classes using pre- and posttest measures of students’ reading fluency and comprehension. The results show that bottom-up training had a negative impact on fluency and comprehension.In contrast, top-down training positively affected fluency but had no impact on comprehension. Further, the results do suggest that fast-pace dreading may potentially lead to improved comprehension. These findings have implications for the type of language instruction used in classrooms and,therefore, for teachers of adult ESL learners.

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