Effects of Colored Paper on Reading Comprehension free essay sample

Reading comprehension is defined as the level of understanding of a text/message. This understanding comes from the interaction between the words that are written and how they trigger knowledge outside the text/message. Proficient reading depends on the ability to recognize words quickly and effortlessly. If word recognition is difficult, students use too much of their processing capacity to read individual words, which interferes with their ability to comprehend what is read. The ability to read provides academic success as well as success throughout life (Irlen, 1991). A skillful reader will sustain two major reading characteristics. One is the speed and ease at which they read the text. The other is the understanding and internalizing of the text being read (Jager-Adams, 1994). Ouellette (2006) states â€Å"reading does not only involve decoding and visual word recognition: The end goal is comprehension† (p. 556). Over the years, the use of color for visually enhancing a person’s reading ability has undergone a transformation from the use of colored chalk on chalkboards to using black ink on colored paper. Using colored paper for the background of a text may enhance the eye’s ability to focus and adhere to the print at hand. The ability of the eyes to perceive color and color hues vary from person to person and are individually specific with regard to optimal color interpretation (Evans, 1974). The researcher observed that many students love to read. When studying, students use different kinds of books and reads it, whether the paper is printed on any color of paper. However, this thought made the researcher curious if may be the color of the paper affect the reading comprehension of the students and by curiousity this study is being conducted. The color green was chosen by the researcher since, Green symbolizes self-respect and well being. It is the color of balance and it also means learning, growth and harmony. (Fielding, 2006) Color in the learning environment provides an unthreatening environment that improves visual processing, reduces stress, and challenges brain development through visual stimulation/relationships and pattern seeking. Visual stimulation actually rewires the brain, making stronger connections while fostering visual thinking, problem solving, and creativity (Simmons, 1995). Based on the meaning of the green color, the researcher hopes that with the help of green colored paper used in English reading comprehension tests, this will be able to help students improve their reading comprehension. This study aims to find out the significant influence of the green colored paper that will be used in answering an English reading comprehension test. It is needed to conduct this study in order to figure out if ones comprehension will improve, based on the grade, by using green colored paper instead of plain white paper. The researcher desires to dig deeper into the topic and to have a clearer understanding of the situation, and to discover a new way to improve a student’s grade in reading comprehension. Theoretical Background The study is anchored on the theory which underpins extensive reading’s effectiveness in terms of enhancing comprehension is Krashen’s (2003) ‘Comprehension Hypothesis’ which stresses that acquisition of a second language is facilitated if students are given enough comprehensible input, and when learning is conducted in a tension-free environment. The input hypothesis states that â€Å"we acquire language in one way: by understanding messages and we acquire language when we obtain comprehensible input†. In extensive reading programmes, students will be saturated or immersed with reading materials which provides a great deal of comprehensible input. Another major theory is the Mental Model. This model can be thought of as a mind movie created in ones head, based on the reading content. Gunning, (1996) gives a detailed description of this process, stating that a mental model is constructed most often when a student is reading fiction. The reader focuses in on the main character and creates a mental model of the circumstances in which the character finds him or herself. The mental model is re-constructed or updated to reflect the new circumstances as the situation changes, but the items important to the main character are kept in the foreground according to Gunning, (1996). Perkins (1991) identifies that sometimes misconceptions about important concepts reflect misleading mental models of the topic itself or the subject matter within which it sits. There are, however, interventions the teacher can do to help the reader to stay on track and create a more accurate picture. One suggestion is for the teachers to ask the students to disclose their mental models of the topics in question, through analogy, discussion, picturing, and other ways. This information gives the teacher insight on the students knowledge gaps and misconceptions, therefore allowing them to help students reconstruct a more accurate picture. . Day and Bamford (1998) two strong advocates of ER, suggested an extensive reading programme if set up and carried out appropriately, not only helps students learn to read in the second language, but also helps them to enjoy reading. This encourages them to continue reading long after formal study of the second language is over. ER, at the very least, consolidates students’ learning of the second language and at best, increases their language proficiency. The vicious and virtuous reading circles (Nuttall, 1996:127) highlights the importance of reading for pleasure. Statement of the Problem This study aims to find out the effect on the results of an English reading comprehension test printed on white and green paper. 1. What is the profile of the respondents in terms of: a. ageb. gender 2. What are the mean score of the pupils who took the test that is printed on white paper? 3. What are the mean score of the pupils who took the test that is printed on green colored paper? 4. Is there a significant difference among the mean scores of the pupils who took the test printed on: a. white paperb. green colored paper Hypothesis Students who read text printed on green colored paper will perform better on a reading comprehension test than students who read the same text printed on white paper. Related Literature Many factors influence a person’s ability to read the text and comprehend what they are reading: internal and external stimuli, phonological processing, and visual processing. Black print on a white background may not provide the ultimate reading experience for all readers. Finding alternative strategies to increase reading fluency and comprehension have been a challenge to students, parents, and teachers. Reading requires the use of internal and external stimuli. All five senses explore the world around us, but color is a direct response to the sense of sight (Evans, 1974). Irlen (1991) asserted fluorescent lighting increases the intensity and the onset of distortions from reading black print on white paper. The parvocellular system is responsible for the visual attention to individual letters (Conlon, 2000). Both systems work together to process normal visual perception. The problem with visual perception comes when there is a breakdown in either system, transient or sustained. Conlon (2000) states high visual discomfort may stem from a breakdown in both systems. Students who comprehend ineffectively have the inability to process information being read and derive meaning from the material (Stothard, 1994) Wilson (1966)—red is more arousing than green [Jacobs and Suess (1975)—red and yellow cause more anxiety than do blue or green. While, Fielding (2006)—outdated notion that red promotes aggression and green is calming. Research Methodology The method used in this experimental study is the Survey method. Research Design The Correlational Design was used in order to determine the respondents reading comprehension test results printed on green colored paper and white colored paper. Research Environment The study was held and conducted in Southwestern University located in Urgello St. Cebu City, Philippines. Southwestern University is one of the largest Para-medical universities in the Visayas Region in the Philippines. It was founded by Don Mathias H. Aznar in the late fifty’s after the World War II. Research Respondents The respondents of this study were selected fourth grade students who are currently studying in Southwestern University. Research Instruments This study will use a short reading comprehension test by chosen by the researcher, that will be printed on a white paper and a green paper. It will then be distributed among the respondents. Research Procedure Gathering of Data The researcher gave the reading comprehension test printed in white paper to the respondents and let them read and answer. After reading the white reading comprehension test, the green reading comprehension test was also distibuted to the respondents. The questionnaire of the worksheets is separated from the sheet that contained the short article. After letting the respondents read the article, the questionnaires were being distributed for the respondents to answer. Treatment of Data In order to establish the error and percentage of error among the respondents test results, this formula was applied: Error = (respondent’s score of the test) – (perfect score of the test) % Error = (respondent’s score of the test) (perfect score of the test)