The Efficacy of a Memory Strategy for Eliminating Reversal Behavior

Abstract

This single subject experiment was based on the concept that children often persist in making reversals in reading and writing because of directional confusion and failure to develop memory strategies and generalizations regarding symbol systems. The eight-year-old male subject was taught to use a memory strategy for determining correct symbol orientation. The experiment used a single subject multiple baseline design, and attention was directed to accurate recognition and production of letters and digits. Intervention for letter and digit reversals was separated to determine the effect of the strategy on each type of reversal behavior. Following the two phases of specific training, the frequency of letter and digit reversals decreased. The results demonstrated the utility of a mnemonic method for diminishing the number of reversals made by the subject. In addition, the results support the theory that reversals represent directional uncertainty and are amenable to direct intervention.

The Effectiveness of Pictured Letters Mnemonics Strategy in Learning Similar English Language Letters among Students with Learning Disabilities

“…As a result, they cannot make use of such learning to facilitate further learning. Reading letters of similar form is the most difficult part because they feel confused (Mather and Healey, 1984). Therefore, memory plays a key role in learning that is an effective process involving diverse information received by the various senses, to be retrieved when needed.…”

“…This problem is repeated with other similar English language letters such as 'W' and 'M'. Mather and Healey (1984) postulated that students confuse similar letters and they have problems with writing, numeracy, spelling as well as linguistic problems in both receptive and expressive situations. In addition, they have cognitive, auditory or visual, attention deficit, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, behavioral and emotional, and social problems.…”