Speed-Reading Beats Standardized Tests

Introduction

Testing comprehension is a complex challenge with no universally effective method. Education researchers agree that all exam types have flaws. 

The most common method is asking students to read a few paragraphs and pick a multiple-choice answer. This approach often fails to measure true understanding and recall. 

This method is not only unreflective of real-world reading demands but also fails to assess deeper cognitive abilities.

The Flaws in Traditional Testing

Multiple-choice exams may be efficient to grade, but they do not evaluate the ability to recall and apply information. 

By providing possible answers, these tests limit students’ capacity to think independently. 

In life, reading demands span hundreds of pages, yet schools often test comprehension using a single paragraph and a few questions.

Real-World Reading vs. Standardized Tests

Most people remember less than 10% of what they read in a book. Schools rely on simplified reading assessments because more challenging formats like essays and open-ended questions would result in higher failure rates. 

Yet, this simplification does a disservice to learners preparing for complex, real-life reading situations.

Personal Teaching Experience

The author has taught at institutions like the US Military Academy at West Point and global corporations such as Hewlett Packard and Xerox. 

Across all environments, a consistent issue emerged: readers lost focus within minutes. Some spent ten minutes on a single page and retained nothing.

A Shift at the Air Force Academy

At the US Air Force Academy, the idea was proposed to test students with a full 400-page book before and after using a new reading method. 

Initially dismissed, the proposal was eventually adopted using techniques from the Reading Genius program. The results were significant—students read 5.5 times faster with notably improved comprehension. Ed Strachar Teaching at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Live Behind-the-Scenes Shots Below!