What significant approach did Dr. Samuel Orton establish for dyslexic students?

Dr. Samuel Orton established a significant approach for dyslexic students through phonetic and multisensory teaching. His work emphasized the need for a systematic and structured way to help individuals with dyslexia comprehend and process language. Orton identified that traditional teaching methods often were not effective for dyslexic learners, who struggle with phonological processing, a key aspect of reading and writing.

The phonetic component involves focusing on the sounds of language and how they correspond to letters and words, which helps students decode words more effectively. Meanwhile, the multisensory aspect incorporates visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learning methods to engage multiple senses in the learning process. This combination not only aids in the development of reading skills but also fosters greater retention and understanding.

This approach is widely recognized and laid the foundation for many structured literacy programs used today, demonstrating its lasting impact on educational practices for dyslexic students.