Dyslexia : a study of dyslexic students in form 1 of secondary school

Abstract

This study attempts to analyse the difficulties dyslexic students encounter during the period of transition from primary to secondary school. The intervention given to dyslexic students at both levels was investigated and compared, in order to determine whether dyslexic students in Form 1 are given the required support. Observations were first carried out in Year 6 and Form 1 classes, which included dyslexic students. Questionnaires were given to Year 6 and Form 1 dyslexic students, their parents and their teachers. The performance of two dyslexic students was investigated and case-studies were presented. The research indicates that the support given to dyslexic students in Form 1 is not as appropriate as that given to dyslexic students in Year 6. This is thus making the experience of transition very challenging for the dyslexic child. Suggestions, based on the research findings, are put forward, so as to help dyslexic students cope better when moving to secondary school.