THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE USE OF ACEREADER ELITE

SOFTWARE IN IMPROVING STUDENTS READING SPEED AT THE

FIRST SEMESTER IN THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT OF STKIP
PANCA SAKTI, PONDOK GEDE, BEKASI
IN 2013/2014 ACADEMIC YEAR

A SCIENTIFIC JOURNAL

Presented asPartial Fulfillmentofthe Requirements fortheDegree of

SarjanaPendidikan

By
INAS AFIFAH ZAHRA
1001065245

DEPARTMENT OF TEACHING OF ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE

THE SCHOOL OF TEACHER TRAINING AND EDUCATION
THE UNIVERSITY OF MUHAMMADIYAHPROF.DR.HAMKA
JAKARTA
2014

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE USE OF ACEREADER ELITE

SOFTWAREIN IMPROVING STUDENTS READING SPEED AT THE
FIRST SEMESTER IN THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT OF
STKIP PANCA SAKTI, PONDOK GEDE, BEKASI
IN 2013/2014 ACADEMIC YEAR

INAS AFIFAH ZAHRA

The English Language Teaching Programme, the University of Muhammadiyah
Prof Dr. Hamka

Abstract:The research was conducted to as the effort to get the empirical

evidence of the effectiveness ofthe use of AceReader Elite software in
improving the reading speed of the students of the English Department of STKIP
PancaSakti, PondokGede, Bekasi. The method applied was an experimental
research with pre-experimental design involving 27 students as the sample. The
data were analyzed through t-test analysis for testing the two means. The analysis
on the empirical data has given the results that the towas10.32 while the ttwas
1.71. It rejected the null-hypothesis. It has given a firm evidence that the use of
AceReader Elite softwarein increasing the reading speed of the students of the
first semester of STKIP PancaSakti, PondokGede, has been effective.
Key words: AceReader Elite Software, Reading Speed

INTRODUCTION
English is the language most used over the world as a means of
communication. Whenever people go around to any countries they will not get
lost as long as they can use English as their main verbal communication. As a
matter of fact, by mastering English well, one can get its more advantages for
getting knowledge, widening the social relationship, improving the skill and
personalities. The world is opened wider to be explored and becoming enjoyable
for those who master the four English skills, namely: speaking, writing, listening,
and also reading.
For students of the countries where the status of English is as a foreign
language and where the people rarely meet foreigners face to face, it seems that,

of the four skills, reading is one which the students have to well master. In their
study, even in their later lives after schooling, they will meet many useful texts to
read and comprehend fully. In many circumstances they will need to do readings
with various purposes, just for pleasure or for full comprehension.
In order to make readings enjoyable and to avoid boredom and scaring
works, one has to be able to do fast reading. Scientifically, such reading is called
speed reading, the ability or skill of someone to decode the written symbols and
the verbal system to get the meaning at speed appropriate with the material of the
text and the purposes reader has (Konstan, 2010). In this kind of reading, the
students can read more efficiently because they can manage the speed. In this
way, they can select and avoid the context or the parts of the text which are
irrelevant and unneeded.
It is very important for the teacher to apply a certain suitable and
interesting technique of teaching in order to improve the students readingspeed as the indicator of their reading skills. Such a type of reading with speed,
of course is relevant to be mastered well by the advanced level students; those
who are taking higher education in a college or university.
The writer has become one of the assistant lecturers in STKIP PancaSakti,
PondokGede, Bekasi, for several times. Based on the writers experience when
lecturing, there has been a problem with the students reading ability. They read
English text slowly. Indeed, their speed in reading needs to be increased.
Giving reading conventional tasks to them to do at home has not been
effective. The still read in slow way. The writer has found the indicators that the
students still show reading barriers; such as regression, head movement, and subvocalization. Even though, those habits appear to each student naturally, but they
will be the obstacles for mastering speed in reading.
Actually, in this present-day the computers and related information
technology are giving the benefits in education, especially in improving reading

speed. The popularly term for the instructional programs which are supported and
taking the advantages of computer technology is Computer Assisted Language
Learning. It is abbreviated to CALL.
CALL programs typically required learners to respond to stimuli on the
computer screen and to carry out tasks (Dudeney, 2007). With the help of
computer programs or application software; especially reading software, the users
(students) can find reading easier to do. Using certain software, beside interesting
and attractive to students, it makes the texts easier to understand.
There have been many kinds of application software for improving
reading.

One of the free of charge is AceReader Elite. So, by using this

software, the writer intends to improve the reading speed of the students of STKIP
PancaSakti, PondokGede. She is getting curious if AceReader Elite can give
the solution for breaking students reading barriers and then improve their ability
to do speed reading.
The question of the research is stated as follows Is the use of AceReader
Elite software effective in improving students reading speed at the First
Semester in English Department of STKIP PancaSakti, PondokGede, Bekasi in
2013/2014 Academic Year?
The objective of the research is to get the empirical evidence on the
effectiveness of AceReader Elite software in improving students reading speed
at the First Semester in English Department of STKIP PancaSakti, PondokGede,
Bekasi in 2013/2014 Academic Year.
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
The Meaning of Reading
The word of reading has a lot definitions. According to GrelletReading is
a constant process of guessing, and what one brings to the text is often more
important that one finds in it (Grellet, 1986). Another definition is given by

Linse that says Reading is set of skills that involves making sense and deriving
meaning from the printed word (Linse, 2008). However, the writer can underline
that reading is an activity which is contains the ability to understand and take
some ideas from a piece of printed information.
On the other hand, Buzan gave his statement Reading is actually a sevenpart process which comprises the following steps: recognition, assimilation, intraintegration, extra-integration, retention, recall, and communication (Buzan,
2003).It can be said that reading is multi-level process that consist of recognizing,
understanding, linking all parts of information, and also keeping those information
in memory by recalling and communicating them in printed paper or screen.
In short, from all the definitions above, the writer concludes that reading is
a process of understanding some information followed by multi-level process that
consist of recognizing, understanding, linking all parts of information, and also
keeping those information in memory by recalling and communicating them in
printed paper or screen.
The kinds of reading technique
There are some techniques that can be used for understanding reading:
a. Sensitizing
Sensitizing is to provide exercise that will help students to cope with
unfamiliar words and complex or apparently obscure sentences.
b. Improving reading speed
Improving

reading

speed

is

to

develop

word-recognition

and

comprehension speed.
c. From skimming to scanning
From skimming to scanning is to train students to make predictions and
guesses when reading a text. (Grellet, 1986)
From those kinds of reading technique, the writer only focuses for
improving reading speed.

The definition of reading speed

There are many descriptions about reading speed through reading experts.
Mikulecky and Jeffries state You can increase your reading speed by following
these four steps: checking your reading habits, skipping over unknown words,
doing reading sprints, and timing yourself (Mikulecky, 2004). It can be
underlined from this statement that reading speed is a process increasing reading
rate by checking the reader habits, moving along unknown words, doing reading
in sprints, and also practice the reading by timer or pacer.
Based on Konstan Reading speed is being able to read at a speed
appropriate for the material you are reading (Konstan, 2003). On the other hand,
Cutler states Reading speed is read much faster or you can read three similar
books in the time you now require to read only one (Cutler, 1993).So, it can be
concluded that reading speed is reading faster in efficient time.
From the experts definition about reading speed, the writer concludes that
reading speed is a practical way of reading that has a rate by following some
procedures, such as skipping unimportant words or context, timing the activity by
timer or pacer in order to get appropriate speed and efficient time.
The benefits of reading speed
There are many benefits of reading speed for improving life quality:
a. Improved memory
Reading speed challenges the brain to perform at a higher level. When
students train their brain to be able to take information faster, other
areas of their brain will also improve, such as memory.
b. Better focus
If students are not focused on what they are reading, their mind will
wander and it will become occupied with other thoughts and thought
processes. Reading speed helps build focus.

c. Higher levels of self-confidence

When students improve their ability to read faster, they will find that
more and more doors open up for them and they start to get more
option in life.
d. Improved logic
The more students improve their reading speed, the faster their brain
become more efficient at sorting information and finding correlations
to other bits of information previously stored. This process will notice
students improvement with logic.
e. Emotional well-being
When students read faster, they will be even more absorbed into the
material. This causes them to focus predominately on the information
they are reading. This is also known as active-meditation. Activemeditation is a meditative state achieved by doing an activity. This
state can release tension and increase emotional well-being (Rodrigues,
2014).

The factors inhibiting reading speed

There are some factors that inhibiting reading speed:
a. Vocalization
Vocalization is the act of making vocal or saying the words in low
voice (Mosback, 1979).This factor will decrease the speed of reading
as well as the speed of speaking.
b. Head Movement
Head movement is moving the head from left continually to the right
to follow the readings. This factor will decrease the speed of reading
because it needs a certain time while reading process.

c. Regression
Regression is moving the eyes backward over words and sentences
when reading a line of the text (Sutz, 2009). This factor contributes to
the lack of speed because the reader worries that he doesnt understand
what is read.
d. Sub Vocalization
Sub-vocalization is a form of silent speech that occurs when a person
is reading silently yet still hearing the words in his head as he reads.
This factor will disturb the speed because the reader too deepens about
what is read (Noer, 2009)
From those factors above, the writer only focuses in regression and sub
vocalization area.
AceReader Elite Software
The meaning of CALL
Computer assisted language learning (CALL) as the head of software has
many kinds of definitions based on experts theories. Levy define CALL as The
search for and study of applications of the computer in language teaching and
learning (Levy, 1997). It can be said that CALL is the study of the value of
computer in language teaching and learning.
Another definition given by Chapelle states CALL as The area of
technology and second language teaching and learning (Chapelle, 2001). It can
be said that CALL based on this definition is the technology that used during
language learning process. On the other hand, Beatty refers the nature of CALL as
Any process in which a learner uses a computer and, as a result, improves his or
her language (Beatty, 2003). It can be said that the use of computer will affect
the improvement of learners language. This definition is totally clear and has
closer meaning with the purpose of writers research.

From the experts definition about CALL, the writer concludes that CALL
is the computer system that help student to improve their language during learning
activity.
Types of CALL programs
There are some types of CALL programs:
a. CALL-specific software
CALL-specific software is applications designed to develop and
facilitate language learning, such as CD-ROMs and web-based
interactive language learning exercises/quizzes.
b. Generic software
Generic software is applications designed for general purposes, such as
word-processors (Word), presentation software (PowerPoint), and
spreadsheet (Excel), that can be used to support language learning.
c. Computer-mediated communication (CMC) programs
Computer-mediated communication (CMC) programs are synchronous
- online chat; asynchronous - email, discussion forum, message board.
Based on those types, the writer only focuses to CALL-specific software
The descriptions of AceReaderSoftware
There are many descriptions about AceReader software due to the users
and its official company. Stepware Inc. as the official company of AceReader
states

AceReader is referred to as reading improvement software, reading

assessment software, online reader software, reading fluency software, vision

training software, and speed reading software.Due to the definition of this
software, it can be underlined that AceReader is a kind of computer program
designed for someone who needs quality learning through the good ability to see
and rate about reading.
Another description is given by Ways that said AceReader Elite software
is a computer based speed reading program that focuses on increasing readers
speed and comprehension (Ways, 2014). It can be said that AceReader is a
software that has a specific purpose on increasing readers speed.

The goal of AceReader is to help someone read faster, while maintaining

or even improving his comprehension by breaking two major bad habits in
reading, such as sub vocalization (pronouncing the words in mind while he reads)
and also Re-Reading/Regression (letting the eyes wander back to read the text).
AceReader paces a person to read at higher speeds. At these higher speeds,
it becomes physically impossible to sub vocalize. And because AceReader
displays text by flashing word sets, he will be forced to read ahead and will not
have opportunity to regress.
The educators are using AceReader as a productivity tools, because it
improves students reading speed, fluency, and comprehension by practicing
skimming text rapidly from a variety of documents and clipboard. The clipboard
allows students to import text from other applications, such as their favorite word
processor and text from the Internet (i.e Web pages, e-mail, and new groups).
Utilize the Burst and Sentence Search features to read efficiently while
online. Adjust (1) speed of text, (2) font color, (3) font size, (4) background color,
(5) number of words or lines, (6) delays, and much more.
The Kinds of AceReader Software
There are three kinds of AceReaderSoftware :
a. AceReader Pro
AceReader Pro is reading software that helps slow reader excel in a
variety of fields. Personal, business, education, and special uses
versions of AceReader exist to give specialized help to those with
specific needs.

b. AceReader Pro Deluxe

AceReader Pro Deluxe is another version of AceReader Pro that
becomes the only choice for Mac users until the transition to the Elite
version for Macs is complete.

c. AceReader Elite
AceReader Elite is the new version (2013) that supports and tracks
unlimited users up to the three computers and available for PCs also
Macs.
From those kinds of AceReader, the writer only focuses to
AceReader Elite Software.

The Features of AceReader Elite Software

There are some specific features that included in AceReader Elite
software:
a. 200 activities to do
There are over 200 games, activities and drills included in AceReader
Elite.
b. 6 themes to choose
There are 6 themed, 13 level courses. The themes are General,
American History, Earth and Space Science, Famous People, Fun
Facts, and a SAT-ACT review.
c. 50 preloaded books and resources
There are 50 preloaded books included with this software. They can be
incorporated into the lessons and also used in the reader mode.
d. Graphed results
Results of the tests and games are captured by the computer and can be
viewed as graphs.
e. Ability to e-mail work progress
Work and progress can be e-mailed to teachers and parents. This is
very helpful if AceReader is being used in an educational institution.
f. Administrators section
The administration mode is very helpful for teachers and parents. This
allow them to monitor students progress and to see what they are
working on.

10

The Ways of Using AceReader Elite Software

There are three ways to use AceReader Elite software:
a. Course Mode
Course mode is giving the easiest way to use the program because it
provides self-adjusting lesson. It consists of activities about reading
comprehension test.
b. Menu Mode
Menu mode is giving the control to the exercise that user wants to
perform because it trains the way he want to try. There are two main
activities in this part, such as determining a current reading speed, and
also increasing a reading speed.
c. Reading Mode
Reading mode is giving the most control to users exercise. It is used
to train or to read faster while on his computer while having full
control. In other words, this menu is used to train the text he needs to
read.
In addition, AceReader Elite software can be used for personal, education,
business, and also special uses according to their needs about reading skill
improvement.
Conceptual Framework
Reading is a process of understanding some information followed by
multi-level process that consist of recognizing, understanding, linking all parts of
information, and also keeping those information in memory by recalling and
communicating them in printed paper or screen. Moreover, reading speed is a
practical way of reading that has a rate by following some procedure, such as
skipping unimportant words or context, timing the activity by timer or pacer in
order to get appropriate speed and efficient time. It has some factors that inhibit

11

the speed of reading such as, vocalization, head movement, regression, and sub
vocalization. Coupled with reading and reading speed definition, AceReader Elite
is a computer program to make someone be better in term of evaluation, quality,
and learning through the good ability to see and rate about reading. It has a goal to
help someone read faster, especially, for educators that use this software as a
productivity tools because it improves students reading speed, fluency, and
comprehension by breaking two major habits in reading such as, regression and
sub vocalization.
By understanding the definition of reading speed andAceReader Elite
software, the writer assumes that AceReader Elite software can develop students
reading speed because it supports a goal to help someone read faster by breaking
two major bad habits in reading such as regression and sub vocalization which are
known as the factors that inhibit the speed of reading. The writer presumes if
students have bad habits in reading like regression and sub vocalization, so it can
be solved by practicing AceReader Elite software continually.
According to statements above, it is assumed that AceReader Elite
software will improve the students reading speed on the first semester of English
department of STKIP PancaSakti, PondokGede, Bekasi.
Hypothesis
Based on the research, the writer proposes the hypothesis as below:
Ho : AceReader Elite software is not effective in improving the students
reading speed at the first semester in English Department of STKIP
PancaSakti ,PondokGede, Bekasi.
Hi : AceReader Elite software is effective in improving the students
readingspeed at the first semester in English Department of STKIP
PancaSaktiPondokGede, Bekasi.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

12

The writerconducted the research for almost six months beginning in

October with preparing the administrative matters, searching the relevant theories,
the instrumentations, and treatment programs. The pre-test, the treatment, and
post-test were done during January and February. The research was done in the
English Department of STKIP PancaSakti which is located in PondokGede,
Bekasi. The population of the research was the students of the first semester in
English Department of STKIP PancaSakti, PondokGede, Bekasi. The writer took
only 27 students as the sample by using purposive sampling.
In this research, the writer has done an experimental method with a preexperimental design. The treatment has been done in six meetings. The writer
taught the students in the class by using AceReader Elite Software to
practicestudents to increase their reading speed. Before the treatment, the writer
gave a pre-test to measure the entrance behavior of the reading speed of the
students. After the treatments, the post-test was given to measure the effects in the
students reading speed.
The writer has done some steps or procedures of this research as I have listed
below:
1. Asking for a permission from the headmaster of STKIP PancaSakti
and the reading lecturer to do the research.
2. Asking the letter of recommendation to do the research from
Muhammadiyah Prof. Dr. Hamka University. The research has been
conducted on Monday, 12th of January 2014 by using AceReader Elite
software to improve students reading speed.
3. Selecting and grading the teaching materials.
4. Developing reading passages and the instrument (tests).
5. Preparing the treatment program and the lesson plans.
6. Giving a pre-test to measure students reading speed before the
treatment.

13

7. Giving the treatment, the use of AceReader Elite software during the
teaching-learning of reading.
8. Giving post-test to measure students reading speed as the result of the
treatment.
9. Analyzing the value of the students average scores by using t-test
10. Testing the hypothesis
11. Making conclusions and finishing the report.
RESEARCH FINDINGS
The Data Interpretation
In this chapter, the writer reports the data interpretation. The writer relates
the result of students reading speed scores of Pre-Test and Post-Test. The
description of the data can be seen in the analysis of data as follow:
Table 1
The Statistic of Pre-Test Scores
Statistic Measures

Symbols

Values

27

Total Individual =
Mean =

72.70

Variance =

157.29

Standard Deviation =

12.54

Table 2:
The Statistic of Post-Test Scores
Statistic Measures
Total Individual =
Mean =

Symbols

Values

27
81.37

14

Variance =

19.396

Standard Deviation =

4.40

To know the effectiveness of using AceReader Elitesoftware in improving

students reading speed, the writer uses the hypothesis testing of t-test.
The Hypothesis testing
t =
81.37 72.70
=
4.40 /
8.67
=
4.40 / 5.19
8.67
=
0.84
= 10.32
The degree of freedom (df) of this computation is (n-1) = 26. In the
= 0.05, the t-table is 1.71. From the computation above, the t-observed is 10.32.
Because the t-observed (10.32) is higher than the standard t (1.71), the nullhypothesis is rejected and the research hypothesis is accepted.
CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION
Conclusions
The exercising the students reading speed is one of the important aspects
reading skill the teachers of English have to do in the teaching. In order to

15

improve students reading speed, the use of AceReader Elite free software is
effective and efficient for increasing their speed.
Based on the research conducted at first semester of STKIP Panca Sakti
Bekasi by using AceReader software in improving students reading speed, it was
found that the H0 is rejected and Hiis accepted. It gives the writer a firm of
empirical evidence to answer the research problem stated that the use of
AceReader Elite free software is effective in improving the reading speed of the
students of the first semester of the English Department of STKIP PancaSakti,
PondokGede, Bekasi in 2013/2014 Academic Year.
Suggestions
34

Based on the result of the research above, there are some suggestions
which are needed to the English teacher, students, and school as follows:
1. The institute has to provide various teaching aids to support learning
and teaching activity in the school. In teaching reading, especially
reading speed, the teacher can use AceReader software for the students
to be interested.
2. The teacher should prepare the teaching materials that are needed by
students if the institute does not prepare it.
3. To make students do not feel bored, the teacher should use some
teaching aids that are suitable for learners.
The writer hopes that the teacher can improve the use of technology during
teaching activity, and this research can help the teacher in teaching reading speed.
By using AceReader software, the students feel interested, active, and attention.

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