The Learning Styles of Slow Learners in Malay Language

(Gaya Pembelajaran Kanak-kanak Lembam dalam Pembelajaran Bahasa Melayu)

Abstract

This article discusses the learning styles of slow learners participating in the Program Pendidikan Khas Integrasi [Integrated Special Education Programme] (PPIK) in Kelantan. The writings are based on a case study. Selection was made based on the reports of medical experts that the five participants, who had been put into this programme, are slow learners. The methodology used in this study was structured observations and tests. There are three learning styles: visual, auditory and kinesthetic. The findings show that the dominant learning styles among slow learners is visual learning style, accounting for 77 percent, while the auditory style accounted for 52 percent and the kinesthetic for 65 percent. While slow learners may be able to learn letters of the alphabet and syllables easily, their comprehension at word level in Bahasa Melayu is at the moderate level where reading and writing are concerned.

Key words : learning style, language learning, slow learners, Malay language