reading fluency

Many children who experience reading challenges develop co-occurring mental health difficulties, such as reading anxiety. The current study tested the relationships between specific reading skills (decoding, fluency, and comprehension) and reading anxiety symptoms. Participants were 230 twins between 8 and 13 years old. Multi-level linear regression models were used to account for family relationships and covaried for age and sex. Age was positively associated and sex was not associated with reading anxiety. Lower decoding (β = -0.19, p < .001), reading fluency (β = -0.22, p < .001), and reading comprehension skills (β = -0.22, p < .001) were significantly associated with higher reading anxiety symptoms. When testing whether each reading skill contributed to reading anxiety after controlling for others, reading comprehension (β = -0.15, p = .010) remained significantly associated with reading anxiety symptoms, whereas decoding (β = 0.01, p = .90) and reading fluency (β = -0.13, p = .08) were no longer significant. Model comparisons followed a similar pattern indicating that reading comprehension (and to a lesser extent fluency) accounted for significant variance in reading anxiety over and above other reading skills, while decoding did not. Secondary analyses covarying for clinical anxiety and ADHD symptoms showed that the association between reading skills and reading anxiety could not be accounted for by these co-occurring symptoms. This study is among the first to examine relationships between specific reading skills and reading anxiety symptoms and highlights the need for improved identification and treatment of reading anxiety symptoms in struggling readers.

Students' ability to read the Qur'an and memorize short surahs at MI Muhammadiyah Sidorejo remains low. This condition is reflected in inaccurate hijaiyah letter pronunciation, limited reading fluency, and difficulties in memorizing short surahs accurately. An initial assessment of 32 students showed an average group score of 75. Method: The mentoring program was conducted over two months and involved 32 students and relevant school stakeholders in identifying learning needs, planning activities, implementing interventions, observing progress, and reflecting on the results. The talaqqi method was used through reading demonstrations, imitation, and direct correction, while tikrar was applied through repeated recitation to strengthen memorization. Data were collected through observation, practical assessments, and documentation, then analyzed by comparing average scores before and after the program. Findings: The average group score increased from 75 to 90, representing a 15-point difference or a 20% relative increase from the initial score. Conclusion: Structured mentoring through talaqqi and tikrar can support the development of Qur'anic reading and short-surah memorization skills. Novelty/Originality: This program integrates reading guidance and memorization practice into a single activity and documents its implementation and outcomes through observations and pre- and post-program score comparisons

This study examined the reported levels of reading skills, writing skills, academic success, and challenges in literacy development among Grade 5 and Grade 6 learners. The study was conducted in selected public elementary schools in Lutayan, Sultan Kudarat during the School Year 2025–2026. A quantitative descriptive-correlational research design was employed. The respondents were 56 learners selected through proportionate sampling. Data were collected using a researcher-developed 40-item questionnaire covering reading skills (comprehension, vocabulary, and fluency); writing skills (syntax, grammar, and morphology); academic success; and challenges in reading and writing. The instrument obtained a mean validity score of 4.36 and a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.762, indicating acceptable internal consistency. Mean, standard deviation, and Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient were used to analyze the data. The findings showed that learners reported a very high level of reading skills (M = 4.40) and writing skills (M = 4.51). Academic success was reported as Very Satisfactory (M = 4.50), while challenges in developing literacy skills were reported as Challenged (M = 3.71). The correlation analysis showed a negligible positive relationship between reading skills and academic success (r = 0.119) and a negligible negative relationship between writing skills and academic success (r = -0.097). Neither relationship was statistically significant at the 0.05 level. The findings suggest that although learners reported high levels of reading and writing skills, these skills alone were not significantly related to their reported academic success. Other factors may also contribute to learners’ academic development.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of the ARAL-Reading Tool in improving reading fluency and comprehension among Grade Six learners in the Third District of Bohol during School Year 2025–2026. Anchored on Automaticity Theory, Schema Theory, and Sociocultural Theory, the study employed a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control-group design involving 15 purposively selected learners. Seven learners received the eight-week ARAL-Reading Plus intervention, while eight received regular reading instruction. Data were gathered using the Philippine Informal Reading Inventory (Phil-IRI) and the Division of Bohol District Reading Assessment Template. Descriptive statistics and paired-samples and independent-samples t-tests were employed. Before the intervention, both groups demonstrated Frustration-level performance in reading fluency and comprehension. Following the intervention, the experimental group achieved 98.48% in fluency and 85.71% in comprehension, while the control group obtained 96.21% and 57.14%, respectively. Both groups demonstrated significant pretest-posttest improvements. However, between-group comparisons revealed a significant difference in comprehension (p = .019), but not in fluency (p = .185). The findings indicate that the ARAL-Reading Tool supported reading development, particularly comprehension. Strengthening structured reading interventions, instructional resources, teacher support, parental involvement, and continuous assessment was recommended. The study aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) by addressing foundational literacy gaps and promoting equitable learning opportunities. Its contribution to educational and institutional sustainability emphasizes evidence-based reading interventions, stakeholder collaboration, and continued support for improving elementary learners' literacy outcomes and strengthening school-based educational recovery initiatives. The findings also provide a basis for school heads and education officials to refine implementation, allocate resources, and monitor reading progress.

This study aims to analyze the role of Islamic Qur'anic School (TPA) teachers in improving students' tahsin and tilawah skills at TPA Bustanul Athfal, Tanjung Agas Village. Using a qualitative descriptive approach with a case study design, data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation involving two teachers. The findings reveal three main results. First, teachers' efforts include applying gradual teaching methods (talaqqi and Iqra), habituation of regular Qur'anic reading, providing correct reading examples, and conducting direct evaluations of students' recitations. Second, supporting factors include adequate facilities, parental support, and student motivation, while inhibiting factors include limited learning time, varying student abilities, lack of discipline, and insufficient teaching staff. Third, the impact of teachers' roles is evident in improved students' makhraj (pronunciation), tajwid application, reading fluency, self-confidence, and ease in memorizing the Qur'an. This study implies that competent and dedicated TPA teachers significantly contribute to enhancing Qur'anic reading quality among students, and their role should be strengthened through continuous training and parental involvement. Abstrak Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis peran guru Taman Pendidikan Al-Qur'an (TPA) dalam meningkatkan kemampuan tahsin dan tilawah santri di TPA Bustanul Atfal Desa Tanjung Agas. Menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif dengan desain studi kasus, data dikumpulkan melalui observasi, wawancara mendalam, dan dokumentasi terhadap dua orang guru. Hasil penelitian mengungkap tiga temuan utama. Pertama, upaya guru meliputi penerapan metode pembelajaran bertahap (talaqqi dan Iqra), pembiasaan membaca Al-Qur'an secara rutin, pemberian contoh bacaan yang benar, serta evaluasi langsung terhadap bacaan santri. Kedua, faktor pendukung meliputi sarana prasarana yang memadai, dukungan orang tua, dan motivasi santri, sedangkan faktor penghambat meliputi keterbatasan waktu belajar, perbedaan kemampuan santri, kurangnya kedisiplinan, dan keterbatasan jumlah guru. Ketiga, dampak peran guru terlihat pada peningkatan makhraj, penerapan tajwid, kelancaran membaca, kepercayaan diri, serta kemudahan menghafal Al-Qur'an santri. Penelitian ini mengimplikasikan bahwa guru TPA yang kompeten dan dedikatif memiliki kontribusi signifikan dalam meningkatkan kualitas bacaan Al-Qur'an santri.

این پژوهش با هدف تحلیل نقش معلمان مدرسه قرآنی اسلامی (TPA) در بهبود مهارت‌های تحسین و تلاوت قرآن‌آموزان در TPA Bustanul Athfal روستای Tanjung Agas انجام شده است. با استفاده از رویکرد توصیفی‌ـ‌کیفی و طراحی مطالعه موردی، داده‌ها از طریق مشاهده، مصاحبه‌های عمیق و مستندسازی با مشارکت دو معلم گردآوری شد. یافته‌ها سه نتیجه اصلی را نشان می‌دهد. نخست، تلاش‌های معلمان شامل به‌کارگیری روش‌های تدریس تدریجی (تلقی و Iqra)، عادت‌دهی به قرائت منظم قرآن، ارائه نمونه‌های صحیح قرائت و ارزیابی مستقیم تلاوت قرآن‌آموزان است. دوم، عوامل حمایتی شامل امکانات کافی، حمایت والدین و انگیزه دانش‌آموزان و عوامل بازدارنده شامل محدودیت زمان آموزش، تفاوت توانایی دانش‌آموزان، کمبود انضباط و ناکافی بودن تعداد معلمان می‌باشد. سوم، تأثیر نقش معلمان در بهبود مخارج (تلفظ)، کاربرد تجوید، روان‌خوانی، اعتماد به نفس و سهولت در حفظ قرآن‌آموزان مشهود است. این پژوهش دلالت دارد که معلمان TPA شایسته و متعهد، نقش قابل توجهی در ارتقای کیفیت قرائت قرآن در میان دانش‌آموزان دارند و نقش آنان باید از طریق آموزش‌های مستمر و مشارکت والدین تقویت شود.

Background: The Philippines faces a persistent literacy crisis that extends beyond the primary grades. National and international indicators show that many learners enter secondary education without secure reading foundations, while senior high school courses demand increasingly complex disciplinary reading and writing. Objective: This narrative review synthesized contemporary evidence on reading remediation for adolescents and translated that evidence into a context-responsive framework for Grades 11 and 12 in the Philippines. Methods: A structured narrative review prioritized peer-reviewed meta-analyses, systematic reviews, randomized and quasi-experimental studies, evidence-based practice guidance, and Philippine policy and curriculum documents. Literature published mainly from 2019 to 2025 was examined across decoding and morphology, fluency, vocabulary and background knowledge, comprehension, motivation, intervention intensity, and disciplinary literacy. Results: Meta-analytic evidence showed positive effects for adolescent reading comprehension interventions (g = 0.63), broader comprehension interventions for struggling readers (g = 0.59), and targeted fluency intervention (effect size = 0.46). Motivation-focused interventions also produced gains in reading comprehension (d = 0.27). Across sources, effective remediation was explicit, diagnostically matched, multicomponent, sufficiently intensive, progress-monitored, and connected to meaningful text. Evidence also showed that gains can diminish after intervention and that fluency practice alone rarely transfers reliably to comprehension. Conclusion: Senior high school literacy recovery should combine protected foundational remediation for learners with persistent word-level or fluency deficits with subject-embedded instruction in vocabulary, comprehension, and disciplinary reading. This two-layer model preserves curricular rigor while addressing unfinished foundational learning.

زمینه: فیلیپین با بحران مداوم سوادآموزی مواجه است که فراتر از پایه‌های ابتدایی ادامه دارد. شاخص‌های ملی و بین‌المللی نشان می‌دهند که بسیاری از دانش‌آموزان بدون پایه‌های خواندن مستحکم وارد آموزش متوسطه می‌شوند، در حالی که دروس دبیرستانی نیازمند مهارت‌های پیچیده‌تر خواندن و نوشتن تخصصی هستند. هدف: این مرور روایتی، شواهد معاصر درباره‌ی بازتوانی خواندن برای نوجوانان را تلفیق کرده و آن را به چارچوبی متناسب با زمینه برای پایه‌های یازدهم و دوازدهم در فیلیپین ترجمه کرده است. روش‌ها: یک مرور ساختاریافته‌ی روایتی، فراتحلیل‌های داوری‌شده، مرورهای نظام‌مند، پژوهش‌های تصادفی و شبه‌آزمایشی، راهنمایی‌های مبتنی بر شواهد و اسناد سیاستی و برنامه‌ی درسی فیلیپین را در اولویت قرار داد. ادبیات منتشرشده عمدتاً از سال ۲۰۱۹ تا ۲۰۲۵ در حوزه‌های رمزگشایی و ساختواژه، روان‌خوانی، واژگان و دانش پیش‌زمینه، درک مطلب، انگیزش، شدت مداخله و سواد تخصصی بررسی شد. یافته‌ها: شواهد فراتحلیلی نشان داد که مداخلات درک مطلب برای نوجوانان (g = 0.63)، مداخلات گسترده‌تر درک مطلب برای خوانندگان دارای مشکل (g = 0.59) و مداخله‌ی هدفمند روان‌خوانی (اندازه‌ی اثر = 0.46) تأثیرات مثبتی داشته‌اند. مداخلات مبتنی بر انگیزش نیز موجب بهبود درک مطلب شدند (d = 0.27). در تمامی منابع، بازتوانی مؤثر به صورت صریح، متناسب با تشخیص، چندمولفه‌ای، با شدت کافی، پایش‌شده و مرتبط با متون معنادار بود. همچنین شواهد نشان داد که دستاوردها پس از مداخله ممکن است کاهش یابد و تمرین صرف روان‌خوانی به ندرت به طور قابل اطمینان به درک مطلب منتقل می‌شود. نتیجه‌گیری: بازیابی سوادآموزی در دبیرستان باید بازتوانی پایه‌ای محافظت‌شده برای دانش‌آموزان با مشکلات ماندگار در سطح واژه یا روان‌خوانی را با آموزش درون‌موضوعی در واژگان، درک مطلب و خواندن تخصصی ترکیب کند. این مدل دو‌لایه، سخت‌گیری برنامه‌ی درسی را حفظ می‌کند و در عین حال به یادگیری پایه‌ای ناتمام می‌پردازد.