Geletterdheidsondersteuning vir 'n leerder met Downsindroom

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:The literacy development of learners with special educational needs has traditionally beenapproached from a behaviouristic framework, which led to the reductionistic teaching oflanguage, focussing on smaller units and sub-skills in order to facilitate a simplification of thelearning process.During the 80's changes in the area of literacy development occurred, placing the focus onthe whole language approach. This approach (embedded in a constructivistic framework)emphasises the holistic and integrated nature of the language and literacy system, whichseems to hold advantages for learners with special educational needs.This also includes learners with Down Syndrome since literature shows that a phoneticapproach (which is reductionistic in nature) does not seem to benefit these learners in termsof literacy development and support. The purpose of this study therefore was to ascertainthe usefulness of the whole language approach in the development of literacy skills of a,learner with Down Syndrome. This was accomplished by means of a literature review andlearner support twice a week.The research methology took the form of a single case study consisting of a learner withDown Syndrome within an inclusive classroom. The qualitative nature of the research, whichwere descriptive and explanatory, made it possible to provide a rich holistic description of thefindings. Data derived from various sources were analyzed according to the constantcomparative method in order to identify the main and sub-categories.The findings of the study showed real development in the literacy skills of the learner withDown Syndrome. Noticeable, was the fact that the learner's reading skills developed fasterin relation to the other skills. This is supported by the literature review. A fifth dimension,namely personal development was identified which promoted development on the cognitiveas well as affective area. Although the scope of the study was limited, it seemed that thewhole language a

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University