Dyslexic learners in the EFL classroom
Visual metaphor
Dyslexia is like running a race with invisible hurdles on the field.
Nobody sees the hurdles that is why they do not understand dyslexic people.
What is dyslexia?
They have difficulties in accurate and fluent word recognition.
difficulties in performance and academic improvement
It has a neurobiological origin.
They have shorter memory span.
They have smaller working capacity.
Reduced phonemic awareness
difficulties in perceiving differences between sounds
difficulties in sound-letter association
How many people can be dyslexic?
1 in 10 people
It means that there are 2 students in a classroom who might be dyslexic in some level.
It is a specific learning difference and not an illness.
Language learning can be difficult for a dyslexic student.
How can a teacher help?
shortened texts
divided texts into sections
illustrations
Spelling can be difficult in a foreign language: English
Sometimes they find out dyslexia during learning foreign languages.
Technological improvements
Multisensory technique games
We have to teach them how to jump hurdles.
In this case, they can reach the finish line.