inference-training

Intervention

Inference Training

Years/Age range

Y2-9

Type of children

Mixed-ability or low attainers

Child/Adult ratio

Small group

Length of intervention

4-6 weeks; two 20- to 45-minute sessions a week

Brief description

This scheme focuses upon the band of children who fall within the normal range of cognitive ability yet fail to comprehend fully what they read. The authors break down the many skills needed to understand a text into manageable chunks: lexical elaboration, question generation and comprehension monitoring. Tasks are designed so that children can make links between the text and its meaning.

Effectiveness

For reading accuracy in Y3: substantial to remarkable
For comprehension in Y3: substantial to remarkable
For reading accuracy in Y7-9: substantial
For comprehension in Y2-6: remarkable
For children with autistic spectrum disorder: remarkable gain in comprehension

Further information

National Trainer for Inference Training, anthonywhatmuff@gmail.com