Key Components of Communicative Language Ability
Understanding Communicative Language Ability
1. Linguistic Competence
Linguistic competence concerns the knowledge of the language itself, its form, and meaning. It encompasses grammar, spelling, pronunciation, vocabulary, sentence structure, and linguistic semantics (thanks to which the learner acquires a second language). Linguistic competence is a crucial part of communication because it teaches students to use the language rules correctly and be aware of potential errors. Grammar is often considered
Read MoreUnderstanding Disability: Definitions and Educational Concepts
Understanding Disability: Key Definitions
Deficit: A loss or abnormality of psychological, physiological, or anatomical structure or function.
Disability: Any restriction or absence (resulting from an impairment) of the ability to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being. Functional impairment – A person who is completely deaf, if provided with the necessary means, would no longer be considered disabled in terms of receiving information. All disabled
Read MoreBraille and AACS for Sensory Impairments
Visual Impairments: Braille Literacy
The Origins of Braille
Valentin Haüy (1795) founded the Institute of Blind Youth (IJC) in Paris and developed the first reading and writing system for the blind, using wooden blocks with carved letters. Later, Charles Barbier (1808) invented a nocturnal writing method based on a dot alphabet, enabling soldiers to communicate silently at night. Louis Braille (1809-1852), who lost his sight in childhood, was a student and later a teacher. He adapted Barbier’s method
Read MoreParasitic Infections: Types, Life Cycles, and Impact
Infection vs. Parasitic Disease:
- Infection (without symptoms): Presence of a parasite without clinical manifestations.
- Parasitic Disease: Presence of a parasite with clinical symptoms.
Zoonotic Parasites: Parasitic diseases that impact human health. Consequences include:
- Low or high mortality
- Disease outbreaks
- Debilitating illnesses
- Economic losses due to hospitalization
Understanding Biological Associations
Parasitism: A biological association where one individual (the parasite) benefits by obtaining habitat
Read MoreMotor and Intellectual Disabilities: Types and School Intervention
1. Introduction: Basic Concepts
- Deficiency/Deficit: Loss or abnormality of a structure or function (psychological, physiological, or anatomical).
Biological field; assessed by physicians.
- Disability: Restriction or absence of the ability to carry out activities expected in human beings. Psychological field; assessed by psychologists.
- Handicap: Disadvantageous situation for a person, due to a deficit or disability, that restricts the performance of an expected role.
Social field; assessed by social workers.
Read MoreEffective Testing: Validity, Reliability, and Practicality
The Ideal Test: Validity, Reliability, and Practicality
1. Validity
A test is valid when it measures precisely the abilities in which we are interested. This involves choosing the appropriate content and techniques.
2. Reliability
A test is reliable when it measures these abilities consistently. This implies, for example, that the same score will be obtained whether the test is taken on one particular day or on the next. Sources of unreliability may be found in some features of the test itself or in
Read More