Learning vocabulary with dyslexia
Download the PDF of the article here. Published with permission from Federal Association of Dyslexia and Dyscalculia e.V.
The tried and tested strategies that benefit other students when learning vocabulary often prove ineffective for people with dyslexia. Those affected are therefore dependent on alternative solutions.
Final Boss Learn Vocabulary
If a foreign language is added at school, it becomes even more difficult for children with dyslexia: Spelling in English and the like is usually not even discussed at school. The affected students, who often struggle with reduced memory, have to learn all vocabulary laboriously by heart without being able to recognize rules. The weak word image memory makes it difficult to detect spelling mistakes. Then there is the problem with pronunciation: The phonological processing ability, which allows sounds to be associated with letters, is also reduced among those affected.
When frustration blocks
Learning vocabulary is in itself a difficult task to teach. For children with dyslexia, unsuitable learning methods eventually lead to a blockage and learning becomes an unbearable burden. It is therefore all the more important not only to educate caregivers and teachers, but also to establish alternative learning methods that bring back the joy of learning.
The vocabulary app cabuu
That was precisely the goal of the Tübingen-based start-up cabuu. For this purpose, the team led by linguist Dr. Christian Ebert developed a vocabulary app based on a multi-sensory learning method. Among the feedback that the team constantly receives, there are also more parents who talk about their successes: Their children with learning disabilities such as dyslexia or ADHD often had a long history of suffering when learning vocabulary. Many report that with cabuu, vocabulary learning works again and the children work on vocabulary independently and with joy. The app has now spread to many learning therapists and is being recommended to others.
Learn with gestures
The idea for the app was born from the principle of “gesture learning.” This makes learning content easier to memorize, as appropriate gestures are made at the same time. Although the effectiveness of this learning method has been very well researched, it is hardly used in everyday learning. cabuu transferred this learning method to the touchscreen: For each vocabulary, the user makes appropriate finger movements; animations and audio are then played. As a pilot study was able to show, vocabulary is retained in memory longer than when simply learning with text and images.
Why does the gestural learning method work?
When learning vocabulary such as “kick” (German: “kick”), brain areas are active that are responsible for planning and executing the corresponding movement. This finding is summarized under the term “motor cognition.” It describes the close connection between motor and general cognitive processes in the brain. Another aspect is the “enactment effect”: Actively carrying out learning content leads to a better memory compared to simply reading. This effect has been proven several times in studies. This could explain the success of the gesture-based learning method. Children with dyslexia benefit particularly from it, as access to vocabulary meaning is not through text, but through visual interaction.
Benefits of digital learning aids
Digital learning aids offer benefits that benefit children with learning disabilities. Although they do not replace a personal environment of supporters, they provide an addition to daily learning tasks.
- Individualized learning opportunities: In the CABUU app, the frequency of repetition of vocabulary is calculated based on performance: poorly memorized vocabulary is presented more often.
- Multi-sensory and interactive learning: Audio, animations, and gestures are integrated into the learning process.
- Repetition and self-control: A learning plan breaks down vocabulary lists into daily portions. Learning statistics show successes.
- Kid-friendly user interface and gamification: Child-friendly applications encourage with a friendly user environment and reward performance.
Learning in the digital age
Learning vocabulary is a challenge for people with dyslexia that often cannot be overcome by conventional strategies. This leads to blockages and frustration. Digital learning tools such as the CABUU app can be helpful in resolving them by providing new access to learning content. The benefits of multi-sensory learning methods are being brought into the digital age.
Learning therapists receive free test access — simply register at firstname.lastname@example.org