The Implementation of a Multisensory Approach on Overcoming Vocabulary Learning Difficulties Among Dyslexic Junior High School Students

Authors

  • Ariqqah Raihana English Education, Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara, Indonesia
  • Maryati Salmiah English Education, Universitas Islam Negeri Sumatera Utara, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24256/ideas.v14i1.9904

Keywords:

inclusive education, multisensory approach, vocabulary learning, dyslexia, EFL classroom

Abstract

This study explores the implementation of a multisensory approach in teaching vocabulary to dyslexic students in an inclusive junior high school English classroom in Indonesia. The research employed a qualitative case study involving one English teacher selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, document analysis of lesson plans, and non-participant classroom observations. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis with methodological triangulation to ensure credibility. The findings revealed that multisensory elements were present in classroom practice, particularly through visual and auditory activities such as PowerPoint presentations, pronunciation modeling, and repetition exercises. However, kinesthetic and tactile components were limited and were not systematically integrated into the instructional process. Vocabulary learning was also embedded within grammar-focused lessons rather than being explicitly structured as a lexical learning objective. These findings indicate that although multisensory techniques were used in the classroom, their implementation remained implicit and did not yet reflect a structured multisensory instructional framework. The study highlights the need for more deliberate multisensory instructional design to support vocabulary development among dyslexic learners in inclusive EFL classrooms.

References

Ahmad Alqawwiy, T., & Salmiah, M. (2025). Puzzle based learning through Figgerits application to enrich EFL student vocabulary: Students’ perceptions. FRASA: English Education and Literature Journal, 6(2), 201–215.

Alghamdi, A. (2022). The effectiveness of multisensory instruction in teaching English reading to students with learning difficulties. International Journal of Instruction, 15(2), 873–890.

Andini, J., & Salmiah, M. (2024). The effect of Duolingo on eighth-grade students’ vocabulary mastery. Indonesian EFL Journal, 10(2), 247–254

Birsh, J. R., & Carreker, S. (2021). Multisensory teaching of basic language skills (4th ed.). Baltimore, MD: Paul H. Brookes Publishing.

Dahlan, A., & Suparno. (2025). Improving reading skills of dyslexic students in remote areas through a multisensory alphabet wheel intervention. Jurnal Teknologi Pendidikan: Jurnal Penelitian dan Pengembangan Pembelajaran.

Fadlah Putri Sabila & Salmiah, M. (2025). Improving EFL students’ vocabulary acquisition: A phenomenological study on the use of the “DuoCards” mobile application. Leksika: Jurnal Bahasa, Sastra dan Pengajarannya, 19(2), 76–87.

Fitriani, S. S., & Nurhidayat, E. (2022). Multisensory approach in teaching reading to students with dyslexia. Journal of Special Education and Rehabilitation, 23(3–4), 45–55.

Fletcher, J. M., Lyon, G. R., Fuchs, L. S., & Barnes, M. A. (2021). Learning disabilities: From identification to intervention (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Guilford Press.

Fujita, R. (2024). The effectiveness of multisensory approaches in teaching reading to children with dyslexia. International Journal of Literacy and Education.

Ghani, M. A., & Ahmad, A. (2023). The impact of multisensory teaching strategies on reading comprehension of students with dyslexia. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 22(6), 198–214.

Hanafi, S. H., Raflesia, C., Katili, F., & Ratunguri, Y. (2025). Penggunaan model pembelajaran multisensori untuk mempengaruhi kemampuan membaca dan menulis siswa dengan hambatan disleksia. Jurnal KIBASP.

Harahap, N. H., & Salmiah, M. (2025). Pre-service English teachers’ perceptions of the effectiveness of using the Gizmo application to enrich English vocabulary. Pendas: Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan Dasar, Vol. 10 No. 03 (2025).

Hudson, R. F., Torgesen, J. K., Lane, H. B., & Turner, J. C. (2021). Research-based reading interventions for students with dyslexia. Reading and Writing Quarterly, 37(5), 456–472.

Jannah, R., & Shalihah, R. (2025). Tinjauan literatur: efektivitas penggunaan metode multisensori dalam pembelajaran membaca untuk anak disleksia di sekolah inklusi. JIMAD.

Kormos, J., & Michel, M. (2022). Teaching languages to learners with specific learning differences. Language Teaching, 55(4), 1–15.

Lee, J., & Yoon, S. Y. (2024). Digital multisensory reading intervention for learners with dyslexia. Computers & Education, 198, 104742.

Nijakowska, J., & Łockiewicz, M. (2021). Foreign language learning difficulties and dyslexia. Journal of Research in Special Educational Needs, 21(1), 3–12.

O’Brien, B. A., & Yeatman, J. D. (2021). Bridging brain and behavior in developmental dyslexia. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 30(2), 126–133.

Pratiwi, D., & Anwar, K. (2025). Teachers’ perceptions of multisensory instruction for dyslexic students in English classes. Journal of Inclusive Education, 29(2), 245–260.

Putri, N. A., & Widodo, H. P. (2024). Teaching English to students with dyslexia in inclusive classrooms: Teachers’ challenges and strategies. TESOL Journal, 15(1), e740.

Rahman, M. M., & Pandian, A. (2021). Dyslexia in ESL and EFL contexts: Emerging perspectives. Asian EFL Journal, 28(1), 89–104.

Siregar, R., & Marlina, L. (2022). Implementing multisensory strategies for dyslexic learners in inclusive classrooms. Indonesian Journal of Educational Research, 7(2), 112–120.

Snowling, M. J., Hulme, C., & Nation, K. (2020). Defining and understanding dyslexia: Past, present and future. Oxford Review of Education, 46(4), 501–513.

Solin, R., & Salmiah, M. (2025). Lingo Learn application as students’ learning tool to enrich vocabulary: Students’ perspectives. English Learning Innovation, 6(1), 166–175.

Syerlyana, A., Islami, R. M., Yanti, F. R., Kusmana, S., & Rahayu, I. (2025). Application of multisensory strategies in differentiated classroom learning to overcome reading delay in elementary school students. JTP - Jurnal Teknologi Pendidikan.

Thompson, P. A., Hulme, C., Nash, H. M., Gooch, D., Hayiou-Thomas, E., & Snowling, M. J. (2022). Developmental dyslexia: Predicting individual risk. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 63(1), 79–90.

Wahyuni, S., & Lestari, D. (2023). Multisensory-based instruction to improve English vocabulary mastery of dyslexic students. Journal of English Language Teaching and Linguistics, 8(1), 101–115.

Washburn, E. K., Joshi, R. M., & Cantrell, E. S. (2021). Teacher knowledge and practice in reading instruction for students with dyslexia. Annals of Dyslexia, 71(2), 215–234.

Yusuf, Y. Q., & Yusuf, F. N. (2024). Multisensory approach in EFL classrooms: Supporting learners with reading difficulties. Studies in English Language and Education, 11(1), 65–80.

Zainuddin, Z., & Perera, C. J. (2023). Multisensory learning design for vocabulary acquisition among EFL learners with learning difficulties. Education and Information Technologies, 28(3), 3115–3134.

Downloads

Published

2026-03-25

Citation Check