Originally published in 1981, this title is based on the author’s doctoral thesis and the research reported was carried out at the Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford. By the 1980s it was generally recognised that there are a number of children of adequate general intelligence who nevertheless experience inordinate difficulties in learning to read. This book examines some of the possible reasons for those children’s reading difficulties, and at the same time explores the basis of a teaching technique which was reputed to help them to learn to read. Although the terminology is very much of the time, this book will still be of interest to those concerned with the reasons behind the difficulties children have in learning to read.

Originally published in 1981, this title is based on the author’s doctoral thesis and the research reported was carried out at the Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford. By the 1980s it was generally recognised that there are a number of children of adequate general intelligence who nevertheless experience inordinate difficulties in learning to read. This book examines some of the possible reasons for those children’s reading difficulties, and at the same time explores the basis of a teaching technique which was reputed to help them to learn to read. Although the terminology is very much of the time, this book will still be of interest to those concerned with the reasons behind the difficulties children have in learning to read.

Since dyslexia was first described in the British Medical Journal in 1896, there has been debate about the definitions and diagnostic procedures used, with some casting doubt on its very existence. However, there is now a considerable body of research regarding the nature and characteristics of this relatively common learning disorder. The contemporary view of dyslexia has emerged from a century of research in medicine, psychology and more recently neuroscience, and we now understand enough about this learning disorder to guide policy and practice. This Very Short Introduction provides an accessible overview of this exciting field of research, beginning with its history, and drawing on testimony from people living with dyslexia. Considering the potential causes of dyslexia, and looking at both genetic and environment factors, Margaret Snowling shows how cross-linguistic studies have documented the prevalence of dyslexia in different languages. Discussing the various brain scanning techniques that have been used to find out if the brains of people with dyslexia differ in structure or function from those of typical readers, Snowling moves on to weigh up various strategies and interventions which can help people living with dyslexia today. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Describes the reading education system and provides detailed instructions and diagnostic tests for use by parents.

This cutting-edge text offers an introduction to the emerging field of media archaeology and analyses the innovative theoretical and artistic methodology used to excavate current media through its past. Written with a steampunk attitude, What is Media Archaeology? examines the theoretical challenges of studying digital culture and memory and opens up the sedimented layers of contemporary media culture. The author contextualizes media archaeology in relation to other key media studies debates including software studies, German media theory, imaginary media research, new materialism and digital humanities. What is Media Archaeology? advances an innovative theoretical position while also presenting an engaging and accessible overview for students of media, film and cultural studies. It will be essential reading for anyone interested in the interdisciplinary ties between art, technology and media.