Improving Performance on Reading Practice Tests Through Technological Intervention

This research study was conducted to determine the impact of a web-based test-taking skills unit on the performances and perceptions of individual students who had previously failed a standardized reading test. Pretests and posttests were administered, and student opinions and teachers' perceptions were examined. For ten days, six fifth-graders reviewed test-taking skills and took practice tests in the computer lab setting. Effect on student achievement was measured with an on-line pretest and posttest, and perceptions were measured through a pre and post intervention student survey, student interviews and observations from a teacher journal. Results for the individual students varied. One student improved, one had a perfect score on both tests, one improved but still scored in the failing range, and three students performed in the failing range with a slight decrease in scores. All students' opinions were positive towards using the website.Zahner, JaneLeader, LarsDees, DianneEd.S.Instructional Technolog