The Effects of Holistic Diagnostic Feedback Intervention on Improving Struggling Readers’ Reading Skills

Abstract

The present study examined ways in which young readers respond to customized diagnostic feedback interventions. Individualized feedback and intervention support were provided to six junior elementary students whose profiles were developed based on multiple data sources which considered students’ interests, learning preferences, and reading readiness levels. A multiple case study approach was applied to examine how each of the students uniquely responded to the diagnostic feedback intervention. The study findings show that providing students with individualized feedback that is skill-based and provides strategies to target chosen areas gives them a far greater understanding of their strengths and weaknesses and how to best target these areas over simply providing an achievement level. Assessment which informs students’ current skills of reading comprehension can support students’ learning. Intervention that moves between teacher and student allows for the adjustment of students’ cognitive and metacognitive processes. Providing students with skills and strategies through feedback allows them to increase their self-regulation and motivation to learn.