Some Indicators of Learning Difficulties and their Relationship to the Self-Concept of Elementary School Students (Case Study)

Abstract

The aim of the research is to identify learning difficulties and their role in children's perception of self-concept. The researcher adopted the descriptive and analytical approach method in this study. A questionnaire was designed by the researcher to collect some related information such as biodata, family, health, diagnostic and behavioral patterns of the case. In addition, the researcher adopted the scale of learning difficulties for elementary school students prepared by Zaidan Ahmed Al-Sartawi (1995), the scale of student appreciation for the survey of learning difficulties for primary school students by Michael Best, which was translated to the Arabic language by (Saeed Abdullah Debis). The researcher adopted also the Self-Concept Scale prepared by (Ahmed Abdul Rahman and Mr. Abu Hashim (2002). The study was conducted in the Emirate of Ajman for the academic year (2017-2016). The results of the study according to the questionnaire showed that the sample suffers from difficulties in the subjects (reading, expression, calligraphy, mathematics, and geography). However, the number and type of errors are normal compared to their colleagues and on the scale of learning difficulties. The results showed that the first dimension is (academic difficulties) and in the second dimension is (behavioral characteristics) they occurred within the area of (potential learning difficulties). On the scale of the pupil’s appreciation for surveying learning difficulties, the case resulted in the presence of learning difficulties in the aspects (verbal comprehension, spoken language, and orientation). It can conclude that there are learning difficulties in the academic aspect related to (comprehension, spoken language, and knowledge). The absence of learning difficulties in terms of cognitive-motor related to (personal, social behavior, and movement coordination). As for the degree obtained by the case on the Self-Concept Scale, it was within the medium range, meaning that the case suffers from an average concept. As the student's self-understanding helps to perceive, know the strengths, and weaknesses of his personality, which supports the student's chances of success in academic achievement, academic achievement, and professional. The study recommended the activation of treatment programs designed for learning difficulties among elementary school students, by following training related to the curriculum, due to its association with active life success at the cognitive, psychological, and social levels.