Increasing Sight-Word Reading Through Peer-Mediated Strategic Incremental Rehearsal

Area of Science:

• Education
• Psychology

Background:

• Strategic incremental rehearsal (SIR) is an instructional method for struggling readers.
• Peer-mediated interventions can enhance student reading proficiency.
• Limited research exists on combining SIR with peer tutoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effectiveness of peer-mediated Strategic Incremental Rehearsal (SIR) for improving sight word reading.
• To examine the impact of peer tutors implementing SIR on student reading skills.

Main Methods:

• A multiple baseline single-case design was employed.
• Peer tutors (4th/5th graders) were trained in SIR.
• Peer tutors implemented SIR with participants (2nd graders) in an after-school program.

Main Results:

• The peer-mediated SIR approach significantly increased the number of words read correctly for all participants.
• Participants demonstrated improved sight word reading skills.
• Treatment acceptability data indicated participants enjoyed the intervention.

Conclusions:

• Peer-mediated SIR is an effective strategy for enhancing sight word reading in young learners.
• The intervention shows promise for application in classroom settings.
• Combining peer tutoring with SIR offers a viable approach to support struggling readers.