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Multi-sensory
approaches towards dyslexia – Dyslexia Friendly environment
Πολυαισθητηριακές προσεγγίσεις της δυσλεξίας –
Φιλικό προς τη δυσλεξία περιβάλλον
Anastasios M. Georgiou
Αναστάσιος Μεν. Γεωργίου
Abstract
Dr. Montessori gave the world a scientific approach, whereby she taught
adults how to respect individual differences. The Montessori approach is a
model which serves the needs of children of all levels of mental and physical
ability. As time passes, multi-sensory approaches become more and more
powerful, since they are widely spread and scientists from different
backgrounds tend to use more and more. The reliability of such approaches lies
on their successful application. Dyslexia friendly environments where
multi-sensory approaches are applied, comprises an imperative need.
Περίληψη
Η Δρ. Μοntessori πρόσφερε στον κόσμο μια επιστημονική προσέγγιση, μέσω της
οποίας δίδαξε ενήλικες πώς να σέβονται την ανθρώπινη διαφορετικότητα. Η
μοντεσοριανή προσέγγιση είναι ένα μοντέλο, το οποίο υπηρετεί τις ανάγκες των
παιδιών σε όλα τα επίπεδα νοητικών και σωματικών ικανοτήτων. Στο πέρασμα του
χρόνου, οι πολυαισθητηριακές προσεγγίσεις αποκτούν ολοένα και περισσότερη ισχύ,
καθώς είναι ευρέως διαδεδομένες και επιστήμονες με ποικίλο υπόβαθρο τείνουν να
τις χρησιμοποιούν ολοένα και περισσότερο. Η αξιοπιστία τέτοιων προσεγγίσεων
ανάγεται στην επιτυχή τους εφαρμογή. Τα φιλικά προς τη δυσλεξία περιβάλλοντα,
όπου χρησιμοποιούνται πολυαισθητηριακές προσεγγίσεις, αποτελούν μια επιτακτική
ανάγκη.
Introduction
Deaf individuals have access to spoken language
through written language. Although, when there is no sensory disability,
readers and writers already speak the language. Floratu [8] argues that there
are undoubtedly many factors which influence the comfortable learning of
reading and writing, such as normal cognitive development, satisfactory
concentration, etc. In junior school, teachers observe that very often children
cannot cope with the “demands” of the school program. They cannot participate
in class lessons, they face operational difficulties. These are the children
who either did not work enough in the pre-reading prowess, or else they just
needed a bit extra-time to fulfill their learning activities [8].
History attests that learning difficulties (including dyslexia)
comprises a topic of many scientific areas. The medical faculty has shown great
interest in some cases of learning difficulties. For instance, Dr.
Brief reference to different approaches –intervention
In many cases, regarding speech and language
disorders (e.g. phonological errors, dysphasia, autism) specific
approaches/intervention have been explored and therefore used. The purpose is
not always the same. In some cases, the “remediation” or “treatment” is
considered, whilst in other ones, compensation is the priority and sometimes
the only target. As for dyslexia, different schools (i.e. different scientific
areas) provide us with diverse approaches towards it.
Ø
Neurolinguistic Intervention
One might think that, if dyslexia is
neurological in origin, how would we be able to treat it? Karpathiou [14]
argues that dyslexia is not a pedagogical problem. As he believes, if it would
be an issue for pedagogy, dyslexia would have been treated with one or another
pedagogical method. Karpathiou [14] states that: “dyslexia is a dysfunction in
a functional brain level” (author’s translation). Furthermore, he believes that
the term “dyslexia” should be used in plural, since each type of dyslexia
depends on its location in the brain system in the first place, and then, on
the type of the damage on a functional level. The method that Karpathiou and
his colleagues use and suggest is called “XEK-
Ø
Neuropsychological Intervention
Robertson [28] argues that: “Neuropsychological theory can be
explored as a medium for improving intervention for pupils with specific
developmental dyslexia (SDD)”. Within the neuropsychological
approaches, Bakker and associates [36] (1979, 2002; Licht, Bakker, Kok, &
Bouma, 1988; Robertson & Bakker, 2002) have argued that there are two
crucial and predominated phases in the learning to read process. Based on this
principal there have been run many intervention programs [36] towards dyslexia.
Ø
Educational Intervention
As mentioned above, dyslexia
comprises a topic of many scientific areas. Tuchman [42] argues that: “The most common and most accepted
treatment for learning disabilities has been educational intervention”. In the
educational field, there have been flourished a great deal of approaches such
as the phonics methods, the sight word method and the aspect which advocates
the whole language approach [42]. In the
Ø
The Role of Computers
Children with dyslexia are usually taught by
manual systems consisting of worksheets. However, using computer technology
might be an option that would possibly allow pupils access to the curriculum
and provide a novel and probably appealing learning environment. This idea
could possibly be suitable to people with dyslexia, since computer technology
can provide support in areas to which dyslexia provokes problems. There are
many computer programs (e.g. word processing programs, dictionaries, thesauri,
and spell-checkers can aid work with text) [19]. In addition, specialized
CD-ROM software are available, such as “Nessy Learning Program” and “Hooked on
Phonics” (Dyslexia
Parent Resources, 2005) which provide multi-sensory phonics instruction
through interactive games. Moreover, there might be other benefits that could
arise through the use of computer technology. Self-confidence might be
improved, memory problems might be assisted and technology skills would
certainly be fostered. Computer technology usually, if not always, involves
multi-sensory approaches to learning difficulties [19].
Ø
The Multi-sensory
Teaching Approach
o Introduction
What is a learning style? A coherent
answer is that learning styles are preferred ways of acquiring knowledge and
processing information. Learning style affects the way people learn and
therefore participate in activities, solve problems etc [20]. Most individuals
have a dominant learning style. Some people are auditory learners, whilst there
are others who need to use the whole-body approach to learn [18]. This way of
learning is called the kinesthetic style [7]. The tactile way of learning is
part of the kinesthetic learning style. To illustrate, Lamarche-Bisson [18]
discusses how different learning styles work. Auditory learners love to talk
and listen and are encouraged to work with others. Visual learners think in
pictures and words. Kinaesthetic learners need to get involved to learn.
Discovering each learning style is essential to distributing group roles and
tasks.
o
Pioneers of the Multi-Sensory Approach
Dr. Montessori gave the world a scientific approach, whereby she taught
adults how to respect individual differences [26]. She believed in promoting
the education of the whole personality rather than the teaching of a specific
body of knowledge. Her approach aims at creating environments which may foster
the fulfillment of childrens’ highest potential. The Montessori
educational approach is a model which serves the needs of children of all
levels of mental and physical ability [26]. Today Montessori teacher training
centers and schools exist on most continents. There are also Montessori
parenting classes and programs for children with developmental
disabilities of all kinds. Many parents use Dr. Montessori's discoveries
in order to educate their children at home. Maria Montessori believed that the more the
senses of the learner are involved, the better the learning [25].
Dr. Orton was
influenced by the kinesthetic method described by Grace Fernald and Helen
Keller when he and his colleagues began using multisensory techniques in the
mid - 1920's. Orton argued that kinesthetic-tactile reinforcement of visual and
auditory associations could correct the tendency of reversing letters and
transposing letters while reading and writing.
Dr. Orton's
views comprised the corner-stone for Anna Gillingham and Bessie Stillman
original teaching manual (1936) for the "alphabetic method".
The phrase
"Orton-Gillingham approach" refers to the structured, sequential,
multisensory techniques established by Dr. Orton and Ms. Gillingham and their
colleagues (IDA, 2006).
o
Philosophy of multi-sensory approach – major
components – benefits
Preparative to conceptualise information people need to see, touch and
hear. This way memory and learning are enhanced. A multi-sensory
teaching approach facilitates this by using all the learning pathways (i.e.
visual, auditory, and kinaesthetic-tactile) simultaneously [17]. Margaret Byrd Rawson, a former
President of The Orton Dyslexia Society stated her view: "Dyslexic students need a different
approach to learning language from that employed in most classrooms. They need
to be taught, slowly and thoroughly, the basic elements of their language --
the sounds and the letters which represent them -- and how to put these together
and take them apart. They have to have lots of practice in having their writing
hands, eyes, ears, and voices working together for the conscious organization
and retention of their learning."
The Orton-Gillingham (O-G) approach
(the term approach is used instead of the term method) is language-based,
multisensory, structured, sequential, cumulative, cognitive and flexible.
Language-Based
The
understanding of the nature of human language is a great priority of the
approach. The Multi-Sensory approach focuses on the way people process
language. It analyses the mechanisms involved in acquiring language and the
knowledge of this procedure is applied to teaching reading and writing.
Multisensory
Reinforcement of learning through multiple channels
is well proved through study data. Tiene (2000) argued that hearing
information, presented simultaneously with iconic visual input, is the most
effective means of instructing. Using two channels of processing simultaneously
allows the brain to process all at once and improves recall pathways through
one channel or the other. Orton-Gillingham teaching sessions are geared towards simultaneous
presentation to the auditory, kinesthetic, visual and tactile modes of
learning. This way, all the above elements reinforce for optimal learning. The
student learns spelling simultaneously with reading.
Structured,
Sequential, Cumulative
The
Orton-Gillingham approach focuses on the automaticity of specific sub skills.
The O-G (Orton-Gillingham approach) introduces the elements of the language
systematically. The skills learned from students, become progressively more
complex. In the first place, phonemes are presented in isolation. Then it
follows the phoneme-grapheme correspondence. Afterwards, it follows the blend
of the sounds into syllables and words. Students learn the elements of
language, e.g., consonants, vowels, in an orderly fashion. Syllable types,
roots, and affixes comprise the next step. As students learn new material, they
continue to review old material to the level of automaticity. Educators address
vocabulary, sentence structure, composition, and reading comprehension in a
similar structured, sequential, and cumulative way.
Cognitive
Students learn
about the structure of the language. Grammatical and syntactic rules are
introduced via the paths referred above. They also learn how they can best
learn and apply the language knowledge necessary for achieving reading and
writing competencies.
Flexible
Educators are not inexorable on the point of teaching.
They always try to understand the procedures of learning and to devise
appropriate teaching strategies.
Emotionally
Sound
Reward is a
byword for learning. Learning must be a happy experience. Consequently, in
every lesson, the student experiences a high degree of success. Efforts are
rewarded and therefore, confidence is built and skills are gained.
Educators acknowledge the value of such
approaches and may try to design practical exercises incorporating good
academic content in order that pupils with dyslexia could learn primarily from
practical work. O-G approach is especially useful for students with dyslexia
since through this path every concept is taught in a multi-sensory way.
Additionally, teachers who base their instruction on the O-G approach never
assume a student already knows how to do something. Students with dyslexia
should be explicitly instructed in each new concept, and Orton-Gillingham does
an excellent job of explaining and reviewing each skill until the concept is
understood.
o
Criticism of the approach
Wysopal (2005)
reports that the multi-sensory approach has been criticized. Some critics blame
the approach for being elitist and too rigid. There are others which fault the
approach with the lack of emphasis on fantasy and creativity. Stewart, Pollacks
and
Ø
The Greek reality
The framework of the
comprehensive program of Special Education in
In Greek ordinary nursery and
primary schools, dyslexic children may receive learning support on a part-time,
withdrawal basis. In
As for secondary level no support
is available for pupils with dyslexia. However, oral
examinations are a legally and educationally recognized provision offered to
pupils with dyslexia according to the Law 2525 of 1997.
Ø
Developing a Dyslexia-Friendly Learning Environment – Benefits
Current psychology vociferates that
many educational difficulties have their foundations in emotional problems.
Rutter [32] had a strong belief regarding the association of specific reading retardation
with emotional or behavioral disorder. He argued [32] that: “reading
difficulties and antisocial behavior are both relatively common problems in
childhood”. More recently, Manzo [1] (1987) believed that
perhaps 15% to 20% of the problems
subsumed under the term dyslexia are rooted in emotional difficulties.
In the case of dyslexia, someone
might assume that various
factors (e.g. anxiety, lack of motivation) might lead to underachievement and
vice versa. That is, underachievement might yield emotional disturbance. If
this is true, then we are talking about a vicious cycle, a cyclone, where
emotional problems and dyslexia blend and the cause of one become the result of
the other. Here is where a dyslexia-friendly environment is necessary and quite
crucial.
o
“Dyslexia friendly” environment
What makes a school “dyslexia
friendly”? Dyslexia friendly schools should not only acknowledge that dyslexia
exists. They should go further and make additional provision to ensure a
child's needs are met. A dyslexia friendly school recognizes that children with
dyslexia can experience significantly higher stress levels than their
non-dyslexic peers and this may impact on academic performance as well as
socially and emotionally.
Dyslexia
friendly schools carry a different approach-philosophy of perceiving the
instructional reality. In dyslexia friendly schools any failure of pupils to
learn is attributed to failure of teaching programs, methodologies,
bad/insufficient material etc. Under no circumstances should teachers blame
students for their incompetence. Usually, this is where skepticism of teachers
takes place.
o
Policy
In order to succeed, a dyslexia friendly school should give the matter
careful consideration. For instance, the school must have a written dyslexia
policy and this policy should be agreed by all members of staff.
o Practical policies
There are also
practical policies that must be established in these schools. For instance, altering format options onscreen or
on an interactive whiteboard
(e.g.
background colour)
[38]. Furthermore,
speech support to existing programs might be a good application. Moreover,
Portable Writing Aids might be quite helpful. This offers pupils word
processing facilities anywhere at school (e.g. Portable word processors,
tablets palmtop devices). Another policy should deal with the amount of time a pupil should be
expected to spend on a particular learning activity. Additionally, special
arrangements should be made for assessing pupils’ work by means other than
written tests and examinations! This would be a great challenge.
o
Training/Consultation
Dyslexia
Friendly Schools are expected to have a specialist teacher of children with
dyslexia and should ensure that the other class school teachers receive
on-going training in the teaching of children with dyslexia. Screening and
early dyslexia-detection programs should be in place. It is very important that
in dyslexia friendly schools, dyslexic pupils are not underestimated and there
must be high expectations from both dyslexic and/or non-dyslexic students who
underachieve.
o
Parental
participation
Another crucial issue refers to
communication between schools and parents [38]. Do schools
communicate effectively with parents? Do schools offer practical guidance to
parents of pupils with dyslexia in helping their children?
If we want to make dyslexia-friendly schools work, we must recognize that pupils with dyslexia
have special educational needs and that these needs have to be met to the best
of our ability and resources. No child should have to grow up feeling
undermined and inferior. We must recognize that these pupils have skills and
talents which should be assisted, nurtured, developed.
o
“Dyslexia friendly” environment in
It might sound
oxymoron but it is not: Greek secondary education is mainly provided by public
schools. However, the contemporary Greek educational system (all grades) is
systematically supported by private tutoring schools called “frontistiria” [10]. Since the role of
frontistiria is the additional
support of weak students, someone might think that there would be special
provisions for students with dyslexia. However, the competition in the frontistiria sector is really
intense. Therefore, in most cases the special educational needs of children
with dyslexia are not met, since frontistiria, wanting to be promoted, instruct
strong students [10]. We could say that, finally, they have disorientated. In
In public
schools the only provision for children with learning difficulties are
inclusion classrooms and oral examinations.
Inclusion classrooms are not specialized. Special educators who teach in those
workplaces offer their help to children with all kind of learning difficulties (e.g.
pupils with autism, dyslexia, AD/HD). Much worse, as for the inclusion
classrooms, this provision, only concerns nursery and primary schools.
Kokkalia and
Smagkis [10] mention that frontistiria
need to adopt an open and flexible approach encouraging communication between
all parties (teachers, family, specialists, pupils). It is believed that their
policies and alternative methods will help students to gain their self-esteem
that has been lost through the traditional methodologies of the Greek educational
system that seems to have many problems -still- to face [10].
However, looking at the bright side, in
Last words
Multi-sensory
approach is a successful and potent approach which is time-resistant. As time
passes, it becomes more and more powerful, since it is widely spread and
scientists from different backgrounds tend to use more and more. The
reliability of the approach lies on its successful application. Running an era
where human rights are established and respect of heterogeneity is a first
priority, the construction of dyslexia -
friendly environments [5], [3] where multi-sensory approach is applied,
comprises an imperative need.
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