Reading comprehension is defined as understanding written material that is read, or the process of 'constructing meaning' from written material. This process is often complex and can be difficult for some people, especially people with a specific learning disability or intellectual impairment. The main strategies used in understanding written material include:
- applying the information being read to previous knowledge to gain understanding
- checking understanding as progressing through the text rather than just reading
- clarifying information where needed
- visualising what is happening in the text to ‘create a picture’ of context
- identifying word and sentence meanings or decoding the text
- questioning written material by using existing knowledge to predict meaning.
The ability to read and understand written material is a necessary requirement in most workplaces. Examples of reading material relevant to the workplace include procedure manuals, operating instructions, research material, formal correspondence, road maps, computer documents and email. It can be very stressful for employees who have difficulty reading and understanding written material. If poor reading comprehension is not identified or not properly accommodated for, this can have ramifications in the workplace with regard to job performance and safety.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
There are a range of training options, services and aids which can assist and support people who may experience difficulty with reading comprehension.
On the job strategies
The follow solutions can improve reading comprehension among employees:
- confirming a person's understanding by demonstration or repeating back in their own words what was read, as people may say that they understand when they don’t
- developing a glossary of commonly used terms and acronyms for the workplace so that jargon and technical information can be better understood by all
- developing written material which incorporates relevant pictures, diagrams, bullet points and summaries wherever possible to replace complex written descriptions or instructions
- provide training materials in different formats such as having them recorded in audio format or on DVD to allow learning through audio and visual means if preferred.
Training and skill development
Relevant training courses via a registered training organisation may assist with the development of reading and comprehension skills. Part time study can often be undertaken outside of work hours, or study leave may also be possible:
Alternatively, computer programs specifically designed to assist in reading and comprehension skill development may be suitable especially for people with a mild learning or intellectual disability. Many computer programs allow the learner to progress at their own pace and also provide immediate feedback, so that the learner does not continue to practice the wrong skills. Some computer programs help with learning basic sight word and phonics skills; others develop and enhance reading and comprehension skills at more advanced levels.
The Reading Writing Hotline is a national telephone literacy referral service for adults, which can assist people who may need assistance with reading by linking them into appropriate group, one on one training or distance training. The hotline number is 1300 6555 06 or you can find out more information about their services at (Please note that the link below will open an external web site in a new page):
Funding options have been made available in the 2009 – 2010 Budget by the Australian Government to assist with workplace literacy. Further information can be found at (Please note that the link below will open an external web site in a new page):
Services available
Easy English interpreters may be able to assist a person with a specific learning or intellectual disability with understanding written material relevant for the workplace by breaking down complex information and explaining it in simple language, without the use of jargon or technical terms.
(Wilhelm 1996-2009; Access Centre (no date specified); The Reading Writing Hotline 2006)
References
Access Centre (no date specified), Computer-Assisted Instruction and Reading, Access Centre, Washington, viewed 17 July 2009, http://www.k8accesscenter.org/training_resources/computeraided_reading.asp.
The Reading Writing Hotline 2006, The Reading Writing Hotline, Australian Government Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, Sydney, viewed 17 July 2009, http://www.literacyline.edu.au/index.html.
Wilhelm, J. 1996-2009, Understanding Reading Comprehension, Scholastic Inc., online, viewed 17 July 2009, http://content.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=4465.