Reading Skills in Malay Language Literacy of Dyslexic Students

Abstract

Problems in literacy is the most significant aspect in the learning process of dyslexic students. This study was conducted to analyze the reading skills in Malay language literacy among dyslexic students. The sample of this study was 10 dyslexic students who were selected from the Malaysia Dyslexia Association. A mixed-method approach was conducted to identify reading problems according to the LINUS 2.0 construct, which was developed by the Special Education Division, Ministry of Education Malaysia. Reading problems according to the LINUS 2.0 were measured based on the construct in the Malay Language Reading Skills Literacy Diagnostic for Dyslexics. This diagnostic was used to assess 12 reading skills in the reading achievement of dyslexic students' literacy constructs. Each reading skill has 5 items to read. This diagnostic focuses on 12 reading skills that were analyzed according to the dyslexic students' level of learning. The findings of this study prove that dyslexic students have a poor level of literacy skills in reading Malay. From this study, the researcher has produced a new approach to literacy construct that is suitable for dyslexic students. Based on the reading ability of the subjects in this study, the researcher concludes that the knowledge of graphemes-phonemes and syllable segmentation is unsatisfactory. The findings of this study have an impact on the Special Education Division, Ministry of Education Malaysia, in that curriculum planning for dyslexic students can be examined. The findings of this study also have an impact on dyslexic teachers in that they can plan their teaching and learning to suit the level of mental development of dyslexic students in Malaysia.