Strategies for the assessment of non-verbal skills

Dyslexia, a learning disorder that affects the acquisition of reading and writing skills, is not limited solely to the verbal domain. Many students with dyslexia exhibit remarkable strengths in non-verbal skills, such as visual-spatial intelligence, problem-solving, and creativity.

In this session, we will explore specific strategies to effectively assess these non-verbal skills, recognizing the diversity of talents that students with dyslexia bring to the educational process.

Recognizing the Diversity of Skills in Students with Dyslexia

• Non-Verbal Skills: Beyond Verbal Difficulties: Before addressing assessment strategies, it is fundamental to understand that dyslexia does not define the totality of a student's abilities. Recognizing non-verbal skills, such as visual thinking, creativity, and problem-solving, is essential for accurate and equitable assessment.

• Visual-Spatial Intelligence in Students with Dyslexia: Many students with dyslexia exhibit exceptional visual-spatial intelligence. They may have a remarkable ability to perceive and remember visual details, as well as to understand and represent information graphically. This intelligence must be valued and assessed appropriately.

Assessment Strategies for Visual Skills

• Assessment of Visual Perception and Memory: The assessment of visual perception and memory is essential to understand the visual skills of students with dyslexia. Tests that evaluate the ability to remember visual patterns, recognize shapes, and understand spatial relationships can be used. These assessments provide valuable information about the student's visual strengths.

• Visual Projects and Portfolios: Assessment through visual projects and portfolios allows students with dyslexia to demonstrate their understanding creatively. By creating visual presentations, such as concept maps, graphs, or models, students can highlight their visual intelligence and their ability to express ideas non-verbally.

• Adaptations in Standardized Tests: In situations where standardized tests are used, it is essential to apply adaptations to assess non-verbal skills fairly. Visual instructions can be offered, more time can be provided to process visual information, and the use of technological tools, such as digital drawing programs, can be allowed.

Development of Problem-Solving Skills

• Assessment of Problem-Solving in Visual Contexts: The assessment of problem-solving can focus on visual contexts. Situations that require students to use their visual-spatial ability to understand and address problems can be posed. These assessments provide information on how students apply their non-verbal intelligence in practical situations.

• Simulations and Visual Scenarios: Simulations and visual scenarios are valuable tools for assessing problem-solving in students w