The effect of education based on Fernald's multisensory approach on improving visual memory and fluency of students with learning disabilities

Abstract

Background and purpose: Fernald's multi-sensory approach is trying to develop the basic skills of reading and writing through auditory, visual, kinetic and tactile motivations, and during it, by focusing on visual, auditory attention and correct pronunciation, it contributes to comprehensive phonological awareness; Therefore, the aim of this research was the effect of education based on Fernald's multisensory approach on improving visual memory and fluency of students with learning disabilities. Research method: This research was in the category of semi-experimental research (pre-test, post-test with experimental and control group and random placement) in terms of practical purpose and method. The statistical population included 6th grade male students with learning disabilities in Semnan who were studying in the schools of this city in the academic year of 2017-2018. 14 people from the research community (7 people in each group) were selected as participants in a targeted manner and based on the entry criteria, and were placed in two control and experimental groups. The experimental group participated in 10 training sessions based on Fernald's multi-sensory approach, and during this time, the control group did not receive any intervention. The data of the research was collected using the Colorado learning problems scale of Willcott et al. The data were analyzed in two stages, pre-test and post-test, using analysis of covariance test. Results: The results of the research showed that training sessions based on Fernald's multisensory approach have been able to significantly increase the variable of reading problems (P<0.05) and there was no significant improvement in the variable of visual memory. Conclusion: The findings of the present study emphasized the effectiveness of the multi-sensory approach in improving the academic status of students with learning disabilities.