Effectiveness of a Training program Using Computer for developing Phonological Awareness and Its Impact on Verbal Communication among Children with Reading Difficulties

Research Abstract

This study aimed to identify the effectiveness of a training program using computer for improving phonological awareness and its impact on verbal communication among children with reading problems. The participants were 24 children attending Ahmed Shedid Primary School in Beba, Beni Suif Governorate. They were divided into two groups: an experimental group and a control one. Each of the two groups consisted of 12 children. Stanford–Binet Intelligence Scales, fifth edition (Mahmoud Abu El Neil, 2011), Quick Neurological Screening Test (Abdul Wahhab Kamel, 1989), Dyslexia Test (Adel Abdulah, 2009), Phonological Awareness and Verbal Communication Scales (Prepared by the researchers) and the program proposal (38 sessions) were used. Results indicated that the program has been effective in improving phonological awareness among the experimental group compared to other group. There were significant differences among the experimental group in terms of the pre-post measurements of phonological awareness and verbal communication in favor of the post measurement. There were significant differences between the mean scores attained by experimental and control groups on phonological awareness and verbal communication in favor of the experimental group. In addition, the follow-up test revealed the continuity of the training positive effect as there were no significant differences between the mean scores attained by the experimental group members on the post and follow-up tests. Limitations of this study and suggestions for further research were discussed.

Research Keywords

Phonological awareness - Verbal communication - Children with reading problems