The Effect of Using Picture Cards on Reading Comprehension Among Special Education Students

Abstract

This research aims to identify the effect of using picture cards on reading comprehension among special education students.

To achieve the research objective, the researcher used an experimental design with two groups: an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group learned using picture cards, while the control group learned using the traditional method.

The researcher selected (10) students from Tel Al-Shouk School to represent the experimental group and (7) students from Al-Shuwairat First School to represent the control group in Mosul District, Nineveh Governorate.

The researcher ensured equivalence between the two research groups in the following variables: chronological age (calculated in months) and the parents' educational attainment level.

The researcher prepared a comprehension test consisting of (9) reading texts. The psychometric properties of the test were verified, as it was valid and its reliability reached (0.85) using Cronbach's alpha

To conduct the research experiment, the researcher prepared the appropriate conditions before starting the experiment, including formulating a set of behavioral objectives and two models of educational plans for the experimental and control groups. The experiment began on May 11, 2023, and ended on January 18, 2024. The research instrument was administered, and after correcting the students' answers, the data were statistically analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test for two independent samples. The results showed a statistically significant difference between the students in the experimental group and the students in the control group, in favor of the experimental group. The effect size was( 0.39). In light of the results obtained, the researcher drew a number of conclusions, including:

That the picture cards strategy contributes to increasing comprehension among special education students.

He recommended a number of recommendations, including:

Encouraging and urging educational supervisors and special education teachers to use educational tools, including picture cards, and to continuously monitor them to achieve the educational objectives for special education students.

To complete the current research, the researcher suggested:

Conduct a study on the effectiveness of using picture cards in teaching pronunciation skills to students who Have pronunciation difficulties