The Self-assessment of Profesional Knowledge of Dyslexia and Ability to Work with Children at Risk of Dyslexia among Elementary School Teachers

Abstract

Introduction: Self-assessment refers to the opinions, views, attitudes, judgments, own knowledge, abilities, skills, talents, and achievements an individual holds. It is one of the factors regulating human functioning both in the area of personal and professional life. Adequate self-assessment is fostering to setting realistic tasks and achievable goals. Research Aim: This study analyzes professional knowledge and skills self-assessment concerning dyslexia among elementary school teachers. The research sample was composed of 239 teachers who work in Lodz, Poland. Method: A simple random sampling method and questionnaire survey were used in this study. The calculation of statistical tests was used: Kruskal-Wallis, Mann-Whitney U, Spearman rank correlation coefficient (rs). As the level of significance, there was p ≤ 0,01; 0,05. Results: The research results show a very high and high self-assessment of teachers in terms of knowledge about dyslexia and the ability to work with a dyslexic child. The primary source of acquiring knowledge and skills is non-formal and informal education. The factors differentiating the respondents’ self-assessment of dyslexia are the form of education, the number of training, and the current number of students with dyslexia. Conclusions: There is a need to emphasize the content related to the preparation for work with children at risk of dyslexia in the program of academic teacher education. It is also essential to plan the professional development of all teachers, regardless of their length of service, including further education on dyslexia. Such education should take place systematically. It is also essential to set up a support and advisory team where teachers can practice the acquired knowledge and skills.

Keywords

• dysleksja
• samoocena
• nauczyciele nauczania początkowego