Enhancing maintenance and generalization of sight words taught with incremental rehearsal: Applying the depth of processing and generalization frameworks.

Abstract

Incremental rehearsal (IR) is a flashcard technique that has produced strong effects for a variety of outcomes including word recognition. We utilized theory-based modifications to IR to enhance maintenance and generalization of sight words. We utilized a within-subjects design in which 41 participants in 2nd and 3rd grade were taught seven unknown words in each of three IR variants-IR, IR with vocabulary (IR-V, which leveraged the depth of processing framework), and IR with context (IR-C, which leveraged Stokes and Baer's, 1977, generalization framework). Auditory working memory and decoding skills were measured as potential moderators. Maintenance and generalization were high across conditions, but maintenance was greater in IR-V and IR-C than IR. IR was the most efficient intervention variant. A potential moderating effect of decoding skills, but not of auditory working memory, was noted. Researchers and practitioners should consider the extent to which theory-based modifications increase effectiveness of an intervention, while also considering impacts on efficiency. Impact and ImplicationsMaintenance and generalization were high across all conditions-incremental rehearsal (IR), IR with vocabulary (IR-V), and IR with context (IR-C). Although there was an inconsistent and small benefit to theory-based modifications in IR-V and IR-C, efficiency was much lower with these components added. Practitioners should carefully monitor the impact of theory-based modifications on student outcomes, and future research should investigate the use of theory-based modifications with specific samples (e.g., nonresponders) and when implemented in ways where efficiency is maintained.

Concepts, abstractness and inner speech

“…During this inner monitoring phase, a form of inner speech related to verbal working memory might be used [ 56 ]. When we hear or read a word the meaning of which we are not certain, we might rehearse possible other words to trace its meaning [ 57 ]. The presence of this process of word search is compatible with the activation of the left inferior frontal gyrus, often associated with phonological working memory and other high-level motor control functions, during abstract concept processing [ 49 , 50 ].…”

Concepts, abstractness, and inner speech

“…During this inner monitoring phase, a form of inner speech related to verbal working memory might be used (47). When we hear or read a word the meaning of which we are not certain, we might rehearse possible other words to trace its meaning (48).The presence of this process of word search is compatible with the activation of the left inferior frontal gyrus, often associated with phonological working memory and other high-level motor control functions, during abstract concept processing ((49); ( 50)). Note that we do not think that this process is merely phonological, but that words retrieved through rehearsal can carry meaning and help people retrieve or reconstruct the conceptual meaning, or even re-explain it to themselves.…”