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Abstract
The experimental action research explores whether strengthening decoding skills can play an important role in increasing English reading fluency of Omani college students. In the present scenario, a few of the students in Oman’s private colleges are unable to read even simple words, which hamper them from making sense of words and sentences while reading. This, in turn, affects reading fluency, comprehension and their overall English competence. The experiment consisted of administering remedial work to weak decoders. After identifying poor decoders, meaningful phonic drills were introduced from simple to intricate sounds followed by phonic reading. Before starting the remedial, each student read aloud a paragraph and this was recorded. After reaching a sufficient ability to decode, graded reading was introduced with comprehension questions. The progress of the students was recorded in the middle as well as at the end of the term. The remedial work did produce results although dramatic changes were not observed. The reasons for this are also discussed.