Reading comprehension is essential for learning, studying and participating fully in society. Yet many young people and adults struggle to understand texts. Reading proficiency is particularly under pressure in vocational education, with consequences for further study and employment opportunities. Literature reviews and practical research show that trainee teachers and early-career teachers often feel insufficiently prepared to apply reading strategies explicitly and purposefully in their lessons.
Through this practice-oriented research project, we aim to address this challenge by focusing on a crucial link: teacher education.
From student teacher to effective reading coach
We focus on students enrolled in the Bachelor of Education in Secondary Education. (Future) teachers often work with pupils who struggle with reading comprehension. By strengthening student teachers' own reading skills and understanding of reading processes, we better prepare them to teach reading strategies explicitly and effectively in their lessons. In doing so, we indirectly contribute to improved reading proficiency among pupils, with particular attention to contexts where reading skills are under pressure.
Our focus is therefore on:
- Strengthening student teachers' own reading skills
- Developing an understanding of reading processes
- Teaching explicit reading strategy instruction
Student teachers not only learn to read more effectively, but also how to integrate reading strategies purposefully into their subject teaching.
Focus on effective reading strategies
We are developing and testing a practice-oriented training programme in reading strategy instruction. The training is based on scientific research and input from lecturers and experts, and incorporates principles of self-regulated learning.
Innovative research methods
We use eye-tracking technology to map reading behaviour. By recording eye movements during reading, we can observe reading processes that would otherwise remain hidden, such as rereading, skipping and hesitation. This provides insight into how reading strategies are actually used and how they relate to text comprehension.
The training is being evaluated through an experiment in teacher education, comparing a test group with a control group.
Bridging research and educational practice
In this practice-oriented research project, we actively involve students and lecturers in the development, testing and evaluation of the training programme. We share the results through information sessions, study days and conference presentations, enabling teacher education programmes and education professionals to put the findings into practice.
In this way, we aim to contribute to:
- Better-equipped teachers
- Improved support for pupils
- Higher reading proficiency as a foundation for lifelong learning