The third pillar : analysing the experience of parents of learners with dyslexia in primary schools

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of parents of learners with dyslexia in the Maltese primary schools. This study intended to give a voice to these parents who are the third pillar within the education setting. Parents were given a platform where they had the opportunity to describe experiences of their children and explain how this learning difficulty affected them as parents. Their home-school relationship was discussed in relation to their child’s school and teachers. The methodology chosen for this research question was qualitative, and made use of audio-recorded semi-structured interviews as the research tool. This helped in obtaining a more authentic picture of reality. As Creswell (2008, p.442) says, in order “to capture best the experiences of participants in their own words” interviews proved to be most appropriate. The literature review served to explore several experiences related to families who have children with dyslexia. This helped inform the interview guide. Results indicate that parents are not fully happy with the current benchmark examinations and with the support that their children receive in class. It has been concluded that home-school relationship needs to be worked upon. Recommendations elicited from the data include the need for better informed teachers and the necessity of more adapted work. Moreover, parents feel the need to be better informed and supported especially through better home-school relationship. Lastly, the ‘one-size fits all’ mentality has to be changed throughout.