Research Article
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Specific Learning Disability from the Perspective of Preschool Teachers: Symptoms and What to Do

Year 2024, Issue: 55, 15 - 23, 09.12.2024
https://doi.org/10.33418/education.1415623

Abstract

Specific Learning Disability (SLD) is a type of special needs that can be diagnosed in primary school. However, research shows that there are some symptoms that are reported to be present in the pre-school period in the spatial semantic processes, in the visual and tactile processes, in the auditory processes and in the balance and motor control. It is thought that it is important for okul öncesi teachers to be aware of these symptoms and to inform primary school teachers and parents. To help achieve this, this study aimed to find out what preschool teachers think about SLD. The research was designed using basic qualitative research, one of the qualitative research methods. Snowball sampling, one of the purposive sampling methods, was used to identify the study group. A demographic information form and semi-structured interview questions developed by the researchers were used as data collection tools. Content analysis was used to analyse the data. As a result of the research, it was found that preschool teachers generally focus on reading, writing, speaking and listening skills; it was found that regarding a child with suspected SLD, they mostly meet with the parents and contact the school counselling service and they believe that symptoms of SLD may appear in the preschool period. The findings show similarities with the relevant literature.

References

  • Al Otaiba, S., Schatschneider, C. & Silverman, E. (2005). Tutor-assisted intensive learning strategies in kindergarten: How much is enough?. Exceptionality, 13(4), 195-208. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327035ex1304_2
  • Aslan, K. (2015). Review of early symptoms of specific learning disability and early intervention practices. Hacettepe University Faculty of Health Sciences Journal, 1, 577- 588.
  • Bailet, L., Repper, K., Murphy, S., Piasta, S., & Zettler-Greeley C. (2011). Emergent literacy intervention for prekindergarteners at risk for reading failure: Years 2 and 3 of a multiyear study. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 46(2), 133-153. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022219411407925
  • Bender, W. N. (2012). Differentiating instruction for students with learning disabilities: New best practices for general and special educators. Corwin Press.
  • Bozatli, L., Aykutlu, H. C., Sivrikaya Giray, A., Ataş, T., Özkan, Ç., Güneydaş-Yildirim, B. & Görker, İ. (2024). Children at risk of specific learning disorder: A study on prevalence and risk factors. Children, 11(7), 759. https://doi.org/10.3390/children11070759
  • Commodari, E. (2013). Preschool teacher attachment, school readiness and risk of learning difficulties. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 28(1), 123-133. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecresq.2012.03.004
  • Cortiella, C., & Horowitz, S. H. (2014). The state of learning disabilities: Facts, trends and emerging issues. NewYork: National Center for Learning Disabilities.
  • Disleksi Derneği. (2022). What is dyslexia?. http://disleksidernegi.com/disleksi-nedir
  • Ertaş, H.C. (2022). Determining the knowledge levels of preschool teachers regarding learning disabilities. (Publication No. 726142). [Master’s thesis, Trakya University-Edirne]. Council of Higher Education National Thesis Centre.
  • Firat, T., & Bildiren, A. (2024). Developmental characteristics of children with learning disabilities aged 0–6 based on parental observations. Current Psychology, 43(4), 2909-2921. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-023-04526-z
  • Flores, P., Teixeira, J. E., Leal, A. K., Ribeiro, J., Monteiro, A. M., Fonseca, R. B., ... & Forte, P. (2022). The necessity of a reduced version of the psychomotor battery to screen for learning difficulties in preschool children. Sustainability, 14(12), 7263. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14127263
  • Firat, T., & Koçak D. (2018). Investigating the opinions of class teachers’ on the concept of learning diffuculty. Abant İzzet Baysal Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 18(2), 915-931.
  • Kakabaraee, K., Arjmandnia, A. & Afrooz, G. (2012). The study of awareness and capability of primary school teachers in identifying students with learning disability in the province of Kermanshah. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 46, 2615-2619.
  • Kirk, S., Gallagher, J. J., & Coleman, M. R. (2014). Educating exceptional children. Cengage Learning.
  • Krischler, M., & Pitten-Cate, İ. M. (2019). Pre-and in-service teachers’ attitudes toward students with learning difficulties and challenging behavior. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 327.
  • Kuzgun, Z. (2019). Examination of the opinions of the guidance research center staff on the difficulties encountered in the diagnostic process of ındividuals with special learning difficulties. (Publication No. 563386). [Master’s thesis, Necmettin Erbakan University-Konya]. Council of Higher Education National Thesis Centre.
  • Lely, H., & Marshall, C. (2010). Assessing component language deficits in the early detection of reading difficulty risk. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 43(4), 357-368. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022219410369078
  • Merriam, S. (2018). Qualitative research. A guide to design and implementation. Nobel.
  • Morningstar, M. E., Shogren, K. A., Lee, H., & Born, K. (2015). Preliminary lesson about supporting participation and learning in inclusive classrooms. Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities, 40(3), 192–210. https://doi.org/10.1177/1540796915594158
  • Mullikin, K., Stransky, M., Tendulkar, S., Casey, M., & Kosinski, K. (2021). İnformal preparation and years of experience: key correlates of dyslexia knowledge among Massachusetts early elementary teachers. Dyslexia, 27(4), 510-524. https://doi.org/10.1002/dys.1701
  • Mulholland, M., & O'Connor, U. (2016). Collaborative classroom practice for inclusion: Perspectives of classroom teachers and learning support/resource teachers. International Journal of İnclusive Education, 20(10), 1070-1083. https://doi.org/10.1080/13603116.2016.1145266
  • National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) (2014). The state of learning disabilities: Facts, trends and emerging issues. National Center for Learning Disabilities Inc.
  • Nind, M., Flewitt, R., & Payler, J. (2010). The social experience of early childhood for children with learning disabilities: inclusion, competence and agency. British Journal of Socilogy of Education, 31(6), 653-670. https://doi.org/10.1080/01425692.2010.515113
  • Nonis, K. P., Chong, W. H., Moore, D. W., Tang, H. N., & Koh, P. (2016). Preschool teacher’s attitudes towards inclusion of children with developmental needs in kindergartens in Singapore. The International Journal of Special of Special Education, 31(3), 450-478.
  • Okur, M. (2019). Determination of psychometric properties of learning disability early symptoms screening scale. (Publication No. 555853). [Master’s thesis, Anadolu University-Eskişehir]. Council of Higher Education National Thesis Centre.
  • Özçivit-Asfurluoğlu, B., & Fidan, S. T. (2016). Spesific learning earning. Osmangazi Journal of Medicine, 38(1), 49-54.
  • Piasta, S. B., Logan, J. A., Zettler-Greeley, C. M., Bailet, L. L., Lewis, K., & Thomas, L. J. (2023). Small-group, emergent literacy intervention under two implementation models: Intent-to-treat and dosage effects for preschoolers at risk for reading difficulties. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 56(3), 225-240. https://doi.org/10.1177/00222194221079355
  • Ramli, S., İdris, İ. B., Omar, K., Harun, D., Surat, S., Yusop, Y. M., & Zainudin, Z. N. (2019). Preschool teachers’ knowledge on dyslexia: A Malaysian experience. Malaysian Journal of Medicine & Health Sciences, 15, 134–139.
  • Sideris, G., Antoniou, F., & Padeliadu, S. (2008). Teacher biases in the identification of learning disabilities: an application of the logistic multilevel model. Learning Disability Quarterly, 31(4), 199-209.
  • Snowling, M. (2005). Specific learning difficulties. Developmental Disorders, 4(9), 110-113.
  • Sousa, P., Dias, P. C., & Cadime, İ. (2017). Predictors of primary school teachers’ knowledge about developmental dyscalculia. European Journal of Special Needs Education, 32(2), 204-220. https://doi.org/10.1080/08856257.2016.1216635
  • Şentürk-Gülhan, N. (2023). Investigation of the relationship between early symptoms of learning disability of preschool children and early literacy and executive function skills. (Publication No. 782358). [Master’s thesis, Trakya University-Edirne]. Council of Higher Education National Thesis Centre.
  • Timbo, D. B. S., Marçal, E., Lima L. V. A., Remigio, F., & Mediros, M. S. (2019). Validation of the elors scale and its application to detect learning deficiency in childhood. Creative Education, 10, 2069-2081. https://doi.org/10.4236/ce.2019.1010150
  • Wight, M., & Chapparo, C. (2008). Social competence and learning difficulties: Teacher perceptions. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 55(4), 256-265. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1630.2007.00706.x
  • Yaşa, İ. C., & Çiyiltepe, M. M. (2024). Early indicators of learning disabilities in children with developmental language disorder compared to their typically developing peers. SAGE Open, 14(3), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244024127192410.1111/j.1440-1630.2007.00706.x
  • Yazici, D. N., Akman, B., Uzun, E. M., & Akgul, E. (2020). Pre-submission processes of children at developmental risk according to teachers and teacher candidates. International Journal of Early Childhood Special Education, 12(1), 232-247. https://doi.org/10.9756/İNT-JECSE/V12İ1.201007
  • Yildirim, A. & Şimsek, H. (2018). Qualitative research methods in social sciences. Seçkin.
  • Yiğiter, S. (2005). Examining the relationship between classroom teachers' knowledge levels regarding specific learning disabilities and their attitudes towards the inclusion of children with specific learning disabilities. (Publication No. 158642). [Master’s thesis, Marmara University-İstanbul]. Council of Higher Education National Thesis Centre.

Okul Öncesi Öğretmenlerinin Bakış Açısıyla Özgül Öğrenme Güçlüğü: Belirtiler ve Yapılacaklar

Year 2024, Issue: 55, 15 - 23, 09.12.2024
https://doi.org/10.33418/education.1415623

Abstract

Specific Learning Disability (SLD) is a type of special needs that can be diagnosed in primary school. However, research shows that there are some symptoms that are reported to be present in the pre-school period in the spatial semantic processes, in the visual and tactile processes, in the auditory processes and in the balance and motor control. It is thought that it is important for okul öncesi teachers to be aware of these symptoms and to inform primary school teachers and parents. To help achieve this, this study aimed to find out what preschool teachers think about SLD. The research was designed using basic qualitative research, one of the qualitative research methods. Snowball sampling, one of the purposive sampling methods, was used to identify the study group. A demographic information form and semi-structured interview questions developed by the researchers were used as data collection tools. Content analysis was used to analyse the data. As a result of the research, it was found that preschool teachers generally focus on reading, writing, speaking and listening skills; it was found that regarding a child with suspected SLD, they mostly meet with the parents and contact the school counselling service and they believe that symptoms of SLD may appear in the preschool period. The findings show similarities with the relevant literature.

References

  • Al Otaiba, S., Schatschneider, C. & Silverman, E. (2005). Tutor-assisted intensive learning strategies in kindergarten: How much is enough?. Exceptionality, 13(4), 195-208. https://doi.org/10.1207/s15327035ex1304_2
  • Aslan, K. (2015). Review of early symptoms of specific learning disability and early intervention practices. Hacettepe University Faculty of Health Sciences Journal, 1, 577- 588.
  • Bailet, L., Repper, K., Murphy, S., Piasta, S., & Zettler-Greeley C. (2011). Emergent literacy intervention for prekindergarteners at risk for reading failure: Years 2 and 3 of a multiyear study. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 46(2), 133-153. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022219411407925
  • Bender, W. N. (2012). Differentiating instruction for students with learning disabilities: New best practices for general and special educators. Corwin Press.
  • Bozatli, L., Aykutlu, H. C., Sivrikaya Giray, A., Ataş, T., Özkan, Ç., Güneydaş-Yildirim, B. & Görker, İ. (2024). Children at risk of specific learning disorder: A study on prevalence and risk factors. Children, 11(7), 759. https://doi.org/10.3390/children11070759
  • Commodari, E. (2013). Preschool teacher attachment, school readiness and risk of learning difficulties. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 28(1), 123-133. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecresq.2012.03.004
  • Cortiella, C., & Horowitz, S. H. (2014). The state of learning disabilities: Facts, trends and emerging issues. NewYork: National Center for Learning Disabilities.
  • Disleksi Derneği. (2022). What is dyslexia?. http://disleksidernegi.com/disleksi-nedir
  • Ertaş, H.C. (2022). Determining the knowledge levels of preschool teachers regarding learning disabilities. (Publication No. 726142). [Master’s thesis, Trakya University-Edirne]. Council of Higher Education National Thesis Centre.
  • Firat, T., & Bildiren, A. (2024). Developmental characteristics of children with learning disabilities aged 0–6 based on parental observations. Current Psychology, 43(4), 2909-2921. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-023-04526-z
  • Flores, P., Teixeira, J. E., Leal, A. K., Ribeiro, J., Monteiro, A. M., Fonseca, R. B., ... & Forte, P. (2022). The necessity of a reduced version of the psychomotor battery to screen for learning difficulties in preschool children. Sustainability, 14(12), 7263. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14127263
  • Firat, T., & Koçak D. (2018). Investigating the opinions of class teachers’ on the concept of learning diffuculty. Abant İzzet Baysal Üniversitesi Eğitim Fakültesi Dergisi, 18(2), 915-931.
  • Kakabaraee, K., Arjmandnia, A. & Afrooz, G. (2012). The study of awareness and capability of primary school teachers in identifying students with learning disability in the province of Kermanshah. Procedia-Social and Behavioral Sciences, 46, 2615-2619.
  • Kirk, S., Gallagher, J. J., & Coleman, M. R. (2014). Educating exceptional children. Cengage Learning.
  • Krischler, M., & Pitten-Cate, İ. M. (2019). Pre-and in-service teachers’ attitudes toward students with learning difficulties and challenging behavior. Frontiers in Psychology, 10, 327.
  • Kuzgun, Z. (2019). Examination of the opinions of the guidance research center staff on the difficulties encountered in the diagnostic process of ındividuals with special learning difficulties. (Publication No. 563386). [Master’s thesis, Necmettin Erbakan University-Konya]. Council of Higher Education National Thesis Centre.
  • Lely, H., & Marshall, C. (2010). Assessing component language deficits in the early detection of reading difficulty risk. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 43(4), 357-368. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022219410369078
  • Merriam, S. (2018). Qualitative research. A guide to design and implementation. Nobel.
  • Morningstar, M. E., Shogren, K. A., Lee, H., & Born, K. (2015). Preliminary lesson about supporting participation and learning in inclusive classrooms. Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities, 40(3), 192–210. https://doi.org/10.1177/1540796915594158
  • Mullikin, K., Stransky, M., Tendulkar, S., Casey, M., & Kosinski, K. (2021). İnformal preparation and years of experience: key correlates of dyslexia knowledge among Massachusetts early elementary teachers. Dyslexia, 27(4), 510-524. https://doi.org/10.1002/dys.1701
  • Mulholland, M., & O'Connor, U. (2016). Collaborative classroom practice for inclusion: Perspectives of classroom teachers and learning support/resource teachers. International Journal of İnclusive Education, 20(10), 1070-1083. https://doi.org/10.1080/13603116.2016.1145266
  • National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD) (2014). The state of learning disabilities: Facts, trends and emerging issues. National Center for Learning Disabilities Inc.
  • Nind, M., Flewitt, R., & Payler, J. (2010). The social experience of early childhood for children with learning disabilities: inclusion, competence and agency. British Journal of Socilogy of Education, 31(6), 653-670. https://doi.org/10.1080/01425692.2010.515113
  • Nonis, K. P., Chong, W. H., Moore, D. W., Tang, H. N., & Koh, P. (2016). Preschool teacher’s attitudes towards inclusion of children with developmental needs in kindergartens in Singapore. The International Journal of Special of Special Education, 31(3), 450-478.
  • Okur, M. (2019). Determination of psychometric properties of learning disability early symptoms screening scale. (Publication No. 555853). [Master’s thesis, Anadolu University-Eskişehir]. Council of Higher Education National Thesis Centre.
  • Özçivit-Asfurluoğlu, B., & Fidan, S. T. (2016). Spesific learning earning. Osmangazi Journal of Medicine, 38(1), 49-54.
  • Piasta, S. B., Logan, J. A., Zettler-Greeley, C. M., Bailet, L. L., Lewis, K., & Thomas, L. J. (2023). Small-group, emergent literacy intervention under two implementation models: Intent-to-treat and dosage effects for preschoolers at risk for reading difficulties. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 56(3), 225-240. https://doi.org/10.1177/00222194221079355
  • Ramli, S., İdris, İ. B., Omar, K., Harun, D., Surat, S., Yusop, Y. M., & Zainudin, Z. N. (2019). Preschool teachers’ knowledge on dyslexia: A Malaysian experience. Malaysian Journal of Medicine & Health Sciences, 15, 134–139.
  • Sideris, G., Antoniou, F., & Padeliadu, S. (2008). Teacher biases in the identification of learning disabilities: an application of the logistic multilevel model. Learning Disability Quarterly, 31(4), 199-209.
  • Snowling, M. (2005). Specific learning difficulties. Developmental Disorders, 4(9), 110-113.
  • Sousa, P., Dias, P. C., & Cadime, İ. (2017). Predictors of primary school teachers’ knowledge about developmental dyscalculia. European Journal of Special Needs Education, 32(2), 204-220. https://doi.org/10.1080/08856257.2016.1216635
  • Şentürk-Gülhan, N. (2023). Investigation of the relationship between early symptoms of learning disability of preschool children and early literacy and executive function skills. (Publication No. 782358). [Master’s thesis, Trakya University-Edirne]. Council of Higher Education National Thesis Centre.
  • Timbo, D. B. S., Marçal, E., Lima L. V. A., Remigio, F., & Mediros, M. S. (2019). Validation of the elors scale and its application to detect learning deficiency in childhood. Creative Education, 10, 2069-2081. https://doi.org/10.4236/ce.2019.1010150
  • Wight, M., & Chapparo, C. (2008). Social competence and learning difficulties: Teacher perceptions. Australian Occupational Therapy Journal, 55(4), 256-265. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1630.2007.00706.x
  • Yaşa, İ. C., & Çiyiltepe, M. M. (2024). Early indicators of learning disabilities in children with developmental language disorder compared to their typically developing peers. SAGE Open, 14(3), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244024127192410.1111/j.1440-1630.2007.00706.x
  • Yazici, D. N., Akman, B., Uzun, E. M., & Akgul, E. (2020). Pre-submission processes of children at developmental risk according to teachers and teacher candidates. International Journal of Early Childhood Special Education, 12(1), 232-247. https://doi.org/10.9756/İNT-JECSE/V12İ1.201007
  • Yildirim, A. & Şimsek, H. (2018). Qualitative research methods in social sciences. Seçkin.
  • Yiğiter, S. (2005). Examining the relationship between classroom teachers' knowledge levels regarding specific learning disabilities and their attitudes towards the inclusion of children with specific learning disabilities. (Publication No. 158642). [Master’s thesis, Marmara University-İstanbul]. Council of Higher Education National Thesis Centre.
There are 38 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language English
Subjects Early Childhood Education
Journal Section Research Articles
Authors

Cemile Nur Çam This is me 0000-0002-7041-1273

Dila Nur Yazıcı 0000-0003-3340-4901

Early Pub Date December 9, 2024
Publication Date December 9, 2024
Submission Date January 6, 2024
Acceptance Date October 15, 2024
Published in Issue Year 2024 Issue: 55

Cite

APA Çam, C. N., & Yazıcı, D. N. (2024). Specific Learning Disability from the Perspective of Preschool Teachers: Symptoms and What to Do. Educational Academic Research(55), 15-23. https://doi.org/10.33418/education.1415623

Content of this journal is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 International License
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