Introduction
In the realm of special education, particularly for students with language disorders, finding effective interventions can be challenging. The research article "Speaking like a scientist: A multiple case study on sketch and speak intervention to improve expository discourse" by Peterson, Ukrainetz, and Risueño offers promising insights into a novel intervention strategy known as "Sketch and Speak." This intervention aims to enhance expository discourse skills through innovative note-taking and verbal rehearsal techniques. Let's delve into how this approach can transform the learning experience for students with language disorders.
Understanding Sketch and Speak
The Sketch and Speak intervention was designed to address the needs of students struggling with academic language learning. It involves teaching students to take notes using both written and pictographic methods, followed by verbal rehearsal to formulate and present expository reports. This approach is particularly beneficial for students with language disorders, as it provides a structured yet flexible framework to support their learning process.
Key Findings from the Study
The study involved three elementary students with language disorders who participated in a series of 20-minute sessions over nine weeks. The intervention was delivered by a school speech-language pathologist (SLP) and focused on teaching students to take notes from expository texts and use verbal rehearsal to prepare oral reports.
- All three students showed significant improvements in their ability to use notes and verbal rehearsal to present organized and confident oral reports.
- The quality of notes, use of verbal rehearsal, and overall reporting skills improved from pre- to post-test.
- The intervention supported both emergent and independent accomplishments, suggesting its potential for broader application.
Practical Applications for Practitioners
For practitioners, implementing the Sketch and Speak intervention can be a game-changer. Here are some practical steps to incorporate this approach into your practice:
- Start with Simple Notes: Teach students to create simple pictographic and bulleted notes to capture key ideas from texts.
- Encourage Verbal Rehearsal: Guide students to verbally rehearse their notes, transforming them into coherent sentences and reports.
- Foster Strategy Awareness: Help students understand the strategies they are using and encourage them to apply these skills independently.
- Adapt to Individual Needs: Tailor the intervention to meet the specific needs of each student, providing additional support where necessary.
Encouraging Further Research
While the results of this study are promising, further research is needed to explore the full potential of Sketch and Speak. Practitioners are encouraged to conduct their own investigations and share findings to contribute to the growing body of knowledge in this area.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Speaking like a scientist: A multiple case study on sketch and speak intervention to improve expository discourse.
