Oral and silent reading

Compares oral and silent reading at different grades in the elementary and high school and in college to determine which is the most economical for time, reproduction, and for general results. Sets of 12 cards with typewritten paragraphs containing 50 words and seven distinct ideas were given to different grades. The Ss read the paragraph only once and reproduced it. The rate of reading and amount reproduced were considered. Results indicated no difference in the two methods for Ss in the third grade. However, with progress through grades and up into college, silent reading was quicker than oral reading and the number of ideas remembered were greater per unit of time. This implied that silent reading was more economical and the method best adapted to ordinary activities of life. Questions the pedagogical significance of oral reading which is encouraged in schools.