IDL Centres Ireland

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About IDL

IDL was developed in the early 1980s by an educational research group in southwest England called Starcross Educational Research. It is now owned by Centra Education and Training(U.K.).

If you would like to see a demonstration please follow this link to their web site.

IDL begins with an assessment to measure the student's reading and spelling ages, and to identify any particular difficulties. We also use a colour test, as for some students, certain colour combinations of text and background are easier to distinguish than others, as with Scotopic or Irlen Syndrome. IDL is not trying to define or diagnose problems, but rather to address difficulties in reading and spelling.

Students attend for an hour, twice a week, over a three month term. IDL uses computer based individual lesson plans, touch typing, and is guided by a tutor. The student hears each word and sees it on the screen. They type the word themselves, building up a script. They then read the script aloud, and hear their own reading played back to them.

Why IDL works

• IDL is individually tutored; each student works to their own lesson plan.
• There is no time pressure, each student works at their own pace.
• IDL gives only positive encouragement to the student.
• No extra work is required between the lessons.

At the end of three months, the student is re-assessed to measure progress. Results usually show an improvement of six months for and often as great as twelve months. Students then attend for further three-month terms, as necessary.

Benefits of IDL

• Measurably improved reading and spelling
• Improved concentration and self-confidence
• Reduced frustration and improved behaviour
• Development of accurate keyboard skills
• Improved handwriting
• Improvement in some speech problems
• Achievements are permanent