The purpose of this research paper is to investigate how dyslexia is currently being defined and debated by both the academic and scientific communities. Additionally, this thesis analyzes how dyslexia is presently being dealt with in the classroom and how this disability is represented in children's literature.

published_or_final_version / abstract / Psychology / Master / Master of Philosophy

M. Tech. Language Practice

This diploma thesis is focused on teaching English to dyslexic children, especially on the application of a special computer programme designed for dyslexic pupils, called Languages without Barriers. The aim of the theoretical part was to give a report on who dyslexic pupils are, what textbooks and other special materials that encourage dyslexic children are available in the Czech Republic and to outline the way dyslexic pupils should be approached in English lessons. The aim of the practical part was to look briefly into the current situation of teaching English to dyslexic children in the Czech Republic and find out whether Czech teachers have enough information on how to approach such pupils. The main aim of this part was to focus on the special computer programme Languages without Barriers. This diploma thesis aimed to find the optimal application of this programme. To accomplish this task a research was carried out. The programme was introduced to three lower secondary schools in Prague, where it was applied in several English lessons and later at home to help children prepare for their English lessons. The research was based on a combination of qualitative and quantitative analyses. The research shows that Languages without Barriers is a useful programme for dyslexic pupils as well as for...

Tesis voorgelê volgens die vereistes van die M.Ed.: Onderwys Vir die Fakulteit van Onderwys en Sosiale Wetenskappe te Kaapse Skiereiland Universiteit van Tegnologie 2014 / Reading is the interaction between author and reader. To be able to read, the reader has to decode the message in order to read with comprehension/understanding. Reading consists of two components, namely word recognition and reading comprehension. Word recognition is the ability to recognise words as quickly as possible. Reading comprehension is the ability to store the meaning of the message in words in the brain. To be able to read the learner must be able to recognise the message and to understand what he/she reads. The ability to read is very important, because a good reading ability is the key to success in a learner’s studies at school. Reading problems occur due to the lack of phonological processing of written material. Reading problems are caused by various factors such as emotional factors, sensory factors and limited cognitive ability – to mention but a few. The purpose of this research was to determine whether a multi-sensory reading method such as the Silverman approach to reading could have a positive influence on the reading and studying abilities of a learner with dyslexia combined with an instructional design. A literature review was done on reading and reading problems, a multi-sensory approach, and well-known multi-sensory approaches such as the Davis method, Orton Gillingham method and the Silverman method. A Grade 8 learner who had been diagnosed with dyslexia was evaluated according to the ESSI reading and spelling tests to determine his reading and spelling levels. His parents and he had to complete questionnaires to determine his scholastic and social progress. After that, the learner was helped by using the Silverman spelling method to enhance his spelling and reading abilities. The duration of the course was thirteen weeks and the learner attended hourly sessions two times per week. The instructional design was used to adjust the sessions according to the learner’s needs. The quantitative research method, namely the ESSI reading and spelling tests, was used as well as the qualitative method. The researcher also used journal inscriptions to observe the sessions in order to change the programme should it be deemed necessary. After completion of the course, the learner was evaluated according to the ESSI test once more and his parents and he had to complete the questionnaire again to ensure reliability and validity. The results of the qualitative tests and the quantitative information pointed out that the learner successfully progressed in his reading and spelling abilities. Die praktiese ondersteuning van ’n leerder met disleksie deur middel van ’n instruksie-beplanningsproses vi It is thus possible to deduct that a multi-sensory reading and spelling method such as the Silverman method had a positive influence on the learner’s reading and spelling abilities. A shortcoming in the research was that the researcher was restricted to only four months to complete the research project. Should the research have begun from the beginning of the year, the results might have differed completely. The researcher has also made recommendations about the training of teachers, as well as recommendations to the Department of Education.

DEd (Curriculum Studies) / Department of Curriculum Studies / This study sought to evaluate the implementation of intervention programmes that enhance the inclusion of learners with dyslexia in mainstream primary schools of Bubi District, Zimbabwe. A mixed-methods research design was adopted. Questionnaires were used to collect quantitative data while semi-structured interviews and documentary evidence were used to collect qualitative data. All the 50 mainstream primary schools found in the district were included in the study. From these, simple random and purposive sampling procedures were adopted to select participants. Simple random sampling technique was used to choose 150 teachers, that is, 3 from each school. In this case, 50 were Grade 1 teachers, the other 50 taught Grade 3 classes and the last 50 were schools’ clinical language remedial teachers. Purposive sampling was used to select 10 heads of schools who had established special classes in their institutions. The same sampling technique was also used to select a District Remedial Tutor, District Early Childhood Development Trainer and District Schools Inspector. Quantitative data was analysed through the use of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 24. Qualitative data was analysed and interpreted thematically. The major findings of the study were that, lack of adequate policies, negative attitudes from some stakeholders, shortage of expert teachers and relevant material resources were some crucial factors that hampered effective implementation of intervention programmes for learners with dyslexia. The study recommends the development of dyslexia-friendly schools through designing relevant policies, holding dyslexia awareness campaigns both in schools and communities, training of more specialist teachers and the provision of learning resources that are more sensitive to the diverse needs of learners with dyslexia. / NRF

Doctorat en sciences psychologiques / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

Dyslexia is one of the most common learning disabilities and learners affected by it are found in both mainstream and specialist schools. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the school experiences of learners who had been diagnosed with dyslexia and attended a long-term remedial school. A phenomenological research design was followed. Six learners in grades 6 to 9, who were attending a long term remedial school, were the participants. Semi-structured individual face-to-face interviews were held to collect data, posing questions that focused on the learners’ experiences with their educators, peers, written and verbal school work, as well as homework. From the data collected themes were formed. The findings showed that participants believed most of their teachers were aware of and knowledgeable about suitable methods to use when teaching dyslexic learners. The results also indicated that the school understood the challenges faced by the dyslexic learners and it was doing well in attempting to provide them with an educational environment suitable for their academic and personal needs. / Psychology of Education / M. Ed. (Psychology of Education)

published_or_final_version / Education / Master / Master of Education

Dyslexia is one of the most common learning disabilities and learners affected by it are found in both mainstream and specialist schools. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the school experiences of learners who had been diagnosed with dyslexia and attended a long-term remedial school. A phenomenological research design was followed. Six learners in grades 6 to 9, who were attending a long term remedial school, were the participants. Semi-structured individual face-to-face interviews were held to collect data, posing questions that focused on the learners’ experiences with their educators, peers, written and verbal school work, as well as homework. From the data collected themes were formed. The findings showed that participants believed most of their teachers were aware of and knowledgeable about suitable methods to use when teaching dyslexic learners. The results also indicated that the school understood the challenges faced by the dyslexic learners and it was doing well in attempting to provide them with an educational environment suitable for their academic and personal needs. / Psychology of Education / M. Ed. (Psychology of Education)