Visual-Syntactic Text Formatting: Theoretical basis and empirical evidence for impact on human reading

Randall C. Walker, Phil Schloss, Charles A. Vogel, Adam S. Gordon, Charles R Fletcher, Stan Walker

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

15 Scopus citations

Abstract

Visual-Syntactic Text Formatting (VSTF) algorithms first analyze, then reformat a seritenee into cascading patterns that cue syntactic structure and assist visual-processing. VSTF was evaluated in yearlong, classroombased, randomized controlled trials, with in-class reading sessions'25 minutes per session, twice a week), using electronic textbooks for high school students. Pretestposttest analysis showed that, in each grade, VSTF students had significantly higher scores on nationally standardized (and conventionally formatted) reading proficiency tests over controls: effect sizes ranged from .41 to .69 standard deviations, and the one-year growth in reading proficiency with VSTF was equivalent to 2 to 3 years' of additiitmd growth in study and national controls. VSTF groups also significantly increased scores, with medium effect sizes, on standardized quizzes and examiin the textbooks.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication2007 IEEE International Professional Communication Conference, IPCC
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 1 2007
Event2007 IEEE International Professional Communication Conference, IPCC - Seattle, WA, United States
Duration: Oct 1 2007Oct 3 2007

Publication series

NameIEEE International Professional Communication Conference

Other

Other2007 IEEE International Professional Communication Conference, IPCC
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySeattle, WA
Period10/1/0710/3/07

Keywords

  • Reading comprehensio
  • Syntactic processing
  • Text formatting

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