그림상징 유형에 따른 학령전기 아동의 개념이해 및 선호도

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Graphic symbols are the type of symbol used most often in the AAC intervention process for young children. The presentation of graphic symbols appropriate to the child’s level of linguistic-conceptual understanding promotes the comprehension and usage of symbols by lessening the associated cognitive burden and learning demands. However, as the lack of domestic research on the conceptual comprehension of graphic symbols makes it difficult to obtain information on the subject, this study aimed to ascertain whether preschool-aged children experienced a significant difference in conceptual understanding and preference according to the type of graphic symbols presented. Methods: The subjects of the study were average Seoulite children between the ages of 3 and 5, 20 per age group for a total of 60 subjects. The data on comprehension accuracy and preference for the three types of graphic symbols (DAS, MT, PCS) were analyzed respectively with repeated measures ANOVA and chi-square testing. Results: Comprehension accuracy according to type of graphic symbols increased with age. Conceptual comprehension accuracy also showed a significant difference according to the type of graphic symbols presented, the comprehension accuracy of DAS being greater than those of MT and PCS. In terms of preference in types of graphic symbols, DAS was rated highest overall by all age groups. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that the conceptual understanding and preference of young children differ from those of adults. Therefore a deeper consideration of these matters is necessary.