Embedded Files
Controlled Reader Projector, also known as a speed reading machine, circa 1964. Beside the projector is a set of story filmstrip rolls. They are fed vertically onto the machine behind the lens.
About the object
About the object
The Controlled Reader Projector was designed to improve the speed and comprehension of reading. In schools, the machine was also called a 'speed reading machine' in NSW schools. The speed reading program was used in primary grades from the mid 1960s.
How it works
How it works
For speed reading lessons the teacher set up the projector and screen. The long cylinder at the front of the projector is the lens. A story filmstrip was placed in the projector, fed vertically onto the reels above and below the back of the lens.
The story was projected onto the screen showing only one line at a time. The words were lit up one word at a time from left to right. The speed of showing each line and word could be adjusted by the teacher.
The students answered comprehension questions after reading the projected story.
This speed reading machine is screwed onto a small desk with wheels. The type of desk it is attached to indicates it was used through the 1980s to the.
Significance
Significance
The object is an example of developing technologies. This projector was an extended application of filmstrip technologies used from the 1950s.
It marks the beginnings of automated technologies - with the speed set by the teacher and the machine operating at that speed.
It is an example of a primary reading program of the time.
Object details
Object details
Date – circa 1965
Creator – Educational Developmental Laboratories
Place – United States of America
Materials – metal, glass, plastic
Dimensions – height 28cm x width 23cm x length 38cm
Look closer
Look closer
Speed guide on the side of Controlled Reader Projector.
Light projecting through the lens of a Controlled Reader Projector. The spools behind the lens held the story film strip.
Speed dial, switches and electric cable at the back of a Controlled Reader Projector.
Think and wonder
Think and wonder
See
See
Can you see the spool for attaching the roll of film?
Can you spot the dial for adjusting the speed?
Can you see the black ring at the end of the long lens for adjusting the focus?
What do you notice that you can’t explain?
Think
Think
Why is there a fan switch and light switch? Which would you turn off first?
What is inside a projector lens?
What are the advantages of having the projector screwed to a table with castors?
What can you learn from examining this object?
Wonder
Wonder
What do you wonder about the Controlled Reader Projector?
What questions does it raise?
Do
Do
Try speed reading. Read a controlled reader story on a story film strip.
View the photograph of a story film strip.
Use your fingers open slightly as a frame to read one line at a time.
How do you feel about reading this way?
Explore and connect
Explore and connect
Controlled Reader story film strip, April Fool's Day, from Story Set D, published by Educational Developmental Laboratories, McGraw Hill, 1964.
Controlled Reader Story filmstrips, 1964
Controlled Reader Story filmstrips, 1964
Controlled Reader story filmstrips were available in varying reading levels. Each filmstrip was stored in a labelled plastic canister attached to a fold-out folder. Teachers' guides, lesson plans and study guides accompanied the program.
This story filmstrip titled 'April Fool's Day' is from the Controlled Reader Story Set D.
Each segment of the story filmstrip contains up to five or six words. The controlled reader projector showed one line at a time and a light shone across each word. The speed of reading the words and lines could be adjusted by the teacher.
Answer pages in Janice Kingston's Speed Reading record book, Class 6A Girls, South Hurstville Public School, 1970.
Janice Kingston's Speed Reading Book, 1970
Janice Kingston's Speed Reading Book, 1970
This is Janice Kingston's Speed Reading record book. She completed it at South Hurstville Public School in 1970. She was in class '6A Girls'. Schools were often segregated at that time.
The book is narrow as it is a standard exercise book cut in half.
After a story was projected by the Controlled Reader Projector - speed reading machine - the students answered comprehension questions. These were one word answers, true or false or multiple choice.
The two story titles on these pages are A Fight with an Octopus and America's Greatest Invention.
What do you wonder about speed reading lessons?
SRA Reading Laboratory, Kit IIB, showing Rate Builder cards, Key Booklets and Power Builder Key cards, 1960.
SRA Reading Laboratory, 1960
SRA Reading Laboratory, 1960
This SRA reading laboratory was used in the primary grades of North Ryde Public School in the 1960s and the 1970s.
Contained in a large box with a lift-off lid, the kit contained reading cards, answer keys, student books and teachers' guide.
Each colour was one reading level.
First published in the United States in 1957, the SRA Reading Laboratory was one of the first individualised learning programs. 'SRA' are the initials of the publisher Science Research Associates Inc.
What individualised reading programs have you used at school?
Colour filmstrip of the story The Pied Piper, NSW Department of Education, circa 1965
Filmstrips, circa 1965
Filmstrips, circa 1965
This filmstrip of the story The Pied Piper was produced by the Teaching Resources Centre of the NSW Department of Education to support English and reading lessons.
Filmstrips became a very popular visual teaching resource through the 1950s to l980s. They were produced to support all subjects including social studies, mathematics, science, health and English.
Each filmstrip is a transparent continuous roll of still images – very similar to a storyboard. Each alternate frame in this filmstrip has writing and the other has an image – like a book.
Black and white and colour film strips were produced, colour being much more expensive. They are 35mm positive film - like a transparent photograph.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands of people using this site. Is, always was, always will be – Aboriginal land.
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