The topic under discussion at the workshop for June is Dyslexia in Foreign Language Learning. Although I've studied psychology for several years and have a little background knowledge on dyslexia, I have to admit that it is not something I have given any real consideration to in my English teaching. I currently have a student who, although obviously very intelligent, has a real problem with reading, which sparked an interest in how I can better help students with learning difficulties in my classroom.
Dyslexia and Foreign Language Learning
It is estimated that perhaps as many as 15-20% of the population is dyslexic. That means that there is a high probability that you have dyslexic students in your class, but because we are not trained in how to recognise and deal with it, we are powerless in helping these students to study better and achieve their goals. What is dyslexia, exactly? Do any of the students in your classes have dyslexia? How would you recognise it if they do? How is it distinguishable from other barriers to success in English learning, like lack of motivation or low aptitude for languages in general? How can you, as an English teacher, help students with dyslexia to improve their understanding in your classes, and work around the inherent obstacles associated with this condition to achieve success in English studying? There are many strategies we could employ in our classrooms to facilitate better learning and understanding for students struggling with dyslexia. In this presentation I hope to stimulate a discussion on learning disabilities or obstacles to learning in order to make it easier for us as ordinary English lecturers to help our students to study better.
Presenter Bio: Loudine Heunis has been teaching English in Korea since August 2011, and has survived as a middle school teacher with no reported casualties to date. She is currently pursuing a MA in psychology through the Open University, having completed her undergraduate studies through the University of South Africa. Loudine joined KOTESOL in 2014 and is currently the web-editor for the Daegu-Gyeongbuk chapter.
Everyone is invited, members and non-members alike, so please feel free to invite your friends. Snacks and drinks are available, and selected merchandise items are for sale.
Hope to see you there!
