Incorporating multi-sensory approach into focused word recognition method to teach children with learning difficulties in Hong Kong

The traditional word identification method in Chinese focuses very much on rote memorization of reading and writing of characters. Children with dyslexia who have short attention span may not be effectively motivated by this method to learn Chinese characters. This study aims at investigating the effectiveness of incorporating multi-sensory as well as computer assisted learning techniques into “Focused Word Recognition Method” to teach children with dyslexia the accuracy of reading and writing in Chinese. The training was conducted to a group of Primary 2 children with dyslexia in ten training sessions from January 2003 to March 2003. Results of the pre- and post-tests showed that the participants obtained significant improvement in the accuracy of writing and reading of Chinese characters.