Classroom Behavior of Good and Poor Readers

The purpose of this study was to investigate objectively observable categories of behavior for good and poor readers in classroom settings. Seven specific observable behaviors of 3 good and 3 poor readers from each of three regular classrooms at each of six grade levels were viewed under natural classroom conditions. Trained observers recorded student behavior for 30 min a day for 10 days. A two-way analysis of variance procedure was used in data analysis. Results indicated that poor readers did not differ from good readers in starting to work on assignments, having necessary materials available, making unacceptable noise, being out of place, or making unacceptable contact with other persons or their property. Poor readers, however, were off task more and volunteered less than good readers did. The results were interpreted to suggest that poor readers could be viewed as uninvolved students. Instructional suggestions are given.