What Sets Davis Apart
We view dyslexia as a result of an inherent mental gift or talent.
People who develop dyslexia think in pictures, rather than words; they are imaginative and creative; and they try to solve problems by looking at the whole picture, rather than working step-by-step.
Davis Dyslexia Correction is a strength-based approach that harnesses the mental talents that dyslexic people share to overcome the learning problems. To do this, students must use different strategies than are commonly taught with remedial programs.
When dyslexic students recognize their mental talents, they develop a renewed sense of self-esteem and confidence. When they start to employ study methods which capitalize on their talents, progress is very rapid.
The Davis method does not rely on instruction based on phonics.
Dyslexic students rely mostly on non-verbal thought processes. Since their primary mode of thought is to rely on pictures or other sensory impressions, they have difficulty thinking with the sounds of words and it is hard to try to read by breaking words down into component sounds. Rather than trying to force students to use a method that is inherently difficult for them, Davis methods teach a visual and meaning-based approach that is much easier for dyslexic people to learn and use. This in turn leads to much more rapid progress than with traditional instruction. Rather than the slow progress and labored reading that often is seen with phonics-based methods, Davis strategies enable dyslexic students to become fluent, capable, and often enthusiastic readers.
The Davis method does not employ repetition or drill.
Dyslexic students have a hard time remembering things that they do not fully understand. Repetition and drill are a waste of time and increase frustration because they will not retain information unless they understand where it fits into the “big picture”.
The Davis approach is based on mastery — students are given tools that enable them to master the symbols and concepts that are part of learning. Once mastered, the information is understood inherently and the student does not need to practice or review.
The Davis method does not rely on physical devices such as colored overlays or large print books.
Dyslexia is a developmental learning problem that affects the way that individuals process information. It is not a result of problems with vision or hearing. While some physical devices may seem to make reading or writing easier, the use of such devices does not help the dyslexic student to function normally.
Dyslexic students do often experience distortions in perception, but these problems are caused by mental disorientation. It is not a problem with eyes or ears, but rather the way that the brain interprets the input from the sensory organs.
With the Davis approach, students learn to recognize disorientation when it occurs, and learn simple techniques to reorient themselves so that they can maintain mental focus and accurately perceive print on a page.
The Davis method does not rely on medications or herbal treatments.
The Davis approach puts dyslexic students in control of their own learning, mental focus, and energy level. Since dyslexia is not a disease or a psychiatric ailment, medications will not address the underlying problem, and will only tend to hinder the student’s ability to learn.
What Sets Davis Apart (© 2016 DDAI; Used with Permission)
From Dyslexia the Gift web site, www.dyslexia.com
© Davis Dyslexia Association International
Reprinted with Permission