Temple University

Institution

Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Scope of Work

Evaluation of use of Reading Horizons software in the MAR*TEC Adult Literacy/English as a Second Language Project

Tool

Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE)

Evaluation

February 2005 - June 2005

Temple University, in conjunction with the Center for Research in Human Development and Education (CRHDE) and the Mid-Atlantic Regional Technology in Education Consortium (MAR*TEC) conducted a research evaluation on the Reading Horizons computer courseware from February 2005 – June 2005. The adult learners involved in the project were pre- and post-tested using the Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE).

There were 10 learners involved in the study, with ages ranging from 22 to 67. Six students were African-American, and four were ESL students from Haiti and Jamaica. The highest grade completed in this group of learners was eleventh. All learners pretested as reading below a fifth grade level.

The total amount of time spent by the learners using the software was 167 hours and 28 minutes, which is an average of just under 16 hours and 45 minutes for each learner. The smallest amount of time spent was 1 hour and 25 minutes, and the largest amount of time spent was 51 hours and 41 minutes.

Data

Evaluator's Observations

The instructors found the multi-sensory teaching method engaged students in a way that helped them use their individual learning styles. Students were able to learn independently using Reading Horizons courseware, and the Mastery, Drill and Practice section of the software helped to internalize the decoding skills. The instructors enjoyed using direct instruction to help the students be active participants which, in turn, improved the students’ confidence and independence.