Imagery-Based Learning: Improving Elementary Students' Reading Comprehension With Drama Techniques

Abstract

The causal relationship between drama-based reading instruction and reading comprehension among 4th-grade students was examined. Cognitive theories related to the role of imagery in memory were used to develop a drama-based reading comprehension program. A randomized pretest-posttest control-group design was then employed to assess the impact of the drama-based instruction on students' test scores on the reading comprehension portion of the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills. Results suggest a direct causal link between drama-based instruction and improved reading comprehension.