Bayview Beach Resort, Batu Ferringhi Beach, Penang, Malaysia

27-30 September 1999

Educational strategies for meeting the literacy needs of students with behaviour disorders

Dr Joe Murik

Faculty of Education, University of Canberra, ACT, Australia

Abstract

This paper had its origin in a study which the author undertook to examine the learning needs of 100 secondary students who had been diagnosed with behaviour disorders. An ecological approach was followed in examining the background of the students. Key stakeholders such as teachers, social workers, youth workers, parents and the students themselves were interviewed to ascertain the educational problems experienced by these students and their perceived learning needs. A battery of standardised tests probed the literacy skills of the students. 72% of the students were found to be functioning 3 years or more below their age peers in literacy skills. The educational practices of overseas and Australian educational institutions catering to students with behaviour problems were examined and a set of educational strategies were trialed on the sample of students. The paper details the results of this trial and proposes a set of strategies serve to improve literacy skills reduce the effects of the behaviour disorders.

Theme 4: Special education: Catering for different learning styles, paces of learning

Biodata: Worked as a teacher and researcher with students with behaviour diorders in Sydney for over 20 years. Currently a lecturer in the Special Education Section of the University of Canberra.