Frequently asked questions |
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Why is reading so difficult?
Hundreds of thousands of people in Ireland have difficulties reading well. Reading places high demands on a series of complex interactive cognitive skills all functioning in unison.
Current reading programs and reading strategies do not directly address the building of these cognitive skills necessary to read effectively.
At Neuron Learning we envision a world where all people learn to read effectively. We apply the latest research on how the brain learns with the latest technologies to help students from a broad spectrum of ages and abilities improve reading, language and learning skills dramatically – with results in weeks instead of years.
Why is reading so essential?
Reading is the gateway to learning and understanding. People who have problems reading can also have difficulties with memory, paying attention, processing information and following instructions. Despite having normal intelligence they can often suffer from lack of self confidence poor self esteem and experience frustration. Children can be marginalised and fail to meet their true potential.
We believe that everyone can be a capable reader and we seek to provide the tools, products and tutors to assist each individual achieve their reading and learning goals.
What is the Fast ForWord Language ® method?
Fast ForWord Language method is a series of teacher led, computer-delivered exercises
that develop the cognitive skills necessary for successful reading and learning.
What do Fast ForWord ® products do?
We improve the cognitive skills of learners. Reading and learning require a variety of cognitive skills that must work together. These are critically important prerequisites for successful reading. When these are strong students are able to benefit from reading instruction.
We have developed our own method Learning MAPs™: Memory, Attention, Processing and Sequencing, to improve the essential cognitive processes that a student needs for reading and learning.
Examples in Fast ForWord ® products include:
MEMORY Improves the ability to retain information both short and long term. This is essential for word recognition, comprehension of complex sentences, and remembering instruction.
ATTENTION Enhances the ability to focus on tasks and ignore distractions
PROCESSING Allows you to see, analyze and discriminate images and sounds quickly
enough to discriminate their differences; a prerequisite for phonemic awareness and reading
SEQUENCING This is a cognitive skill that relies on memory, attention and processing and is essential for phonics, word fluency, reading and oral comprehension. Sequencing places information in a logical order which in turn allows for improved memory attention and processing
How does Fast ForWord improve cognitive skills?
FAST !
We incorporate the key areas of Frequency and Intensity, Adaptivity, Simultaneous development, and Timely motivation that are proven learning techniques to effect change based on decades of neuroscience research.
Frequency And Intensity
Brain plasticity research demonstrates that completing a set of learning tasks in a frequent, intense timeframe accelerates learning.
Adaptivity
Our interactive exercises automatically adapt to an individual’s skill levels and responses, adjusting the learner’s content exposure and targeting correct responses approximately 80% of the time, which maintains challenge and motivates success.
Simultaneous Development
Our exercises develop major cognitive and reading skills simultaneously to ensure enduring improvements in learning. Each exercise focuses on a specific set of reading or language tasks and simultaneously develops underlying cognitive processes such as memory, attention and processing.
Timely Motivation
For the brain to learn, students must be active, attentive and engaged.
Rewards are provided on the first attempt only, a proven neuroscience motivation
technique.
What results has Fast ForWord ® Achieved?
The results of the fast ForWord ® products have been documented in one of the largest databases of results in education. A combination of independent, published and peer reviewed studies along with extensive work by the founding neuroscientists on the impact of the work have confirmed remarkable enduring results.
There is a consistent track record of showing significant improvements in essential reading skills in a wide variety of student groups. Additionally students who use Fast ForWord products showed significant improvements relative to comparison groups.
Fast ForWord has demonstrated its effectiveness in standardised achievement tests, measures of multiple reading skills, and with students of differing ages and abilities.
A recent peer-to-peer review authored by scientists in Stanford University provided additional evidence that the Fast ForWord approach is effective in improving reading skills as demonstrated through functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and student performance in reading assessments. In addition educators and family members report that students who use Fast ForWord products often show improved academic success, as well as new self-confidence, higher self-esteem, improved attention skills and reduced behaviour problems.
What are the Fast ForWord ® products?
Our reading intervention courses are designed to simultaneously develop language skills and a student’s cognitive abilities.
Fast ForWord Language ®
Our first course provides the essential foundations of reading.
It builds fundamental cognitive skills of memory, attention, processing and sequencing (Learning MAPs ©) in the context of key language and reading skills, including listening accuracy.
It develops phonemic awareness by improving auditory discrimination and letter and word recognition skills. It helps students identify specific phonemes.
It improves phonological awareness and language structures.
It enhances vocabulary by helping students differentiate between similar sounding words. It improves skills in work meaning, oral language, listening comprehension, and the ability to follow directions. It also develops syntax and morphology skills.
It fosters fluency and comprehension by developing listening comprehension and the ability to follow directions, while developing memory to store background information.
Fast ForWord Middle & High ®
This is similar to Fast ForWord Language ®, but with graphics tailored to older students. The age appropriate contexts build fundamental cognitive skills of memory, attention, processing and sequencing (Learning MAPs ®) in the context of key reading skills such as phonological fluency and language structures.
Fast ForWord Language to Reading ®
This builds on the cognitive and language skills addressed in Fast ForWord Language ® and Fast ForWord Middle & High®.
It continues to improve the key cognitive skills (Learning MAPs ®) through exercises focused on auditory recognition, sound-letter comprehension, phoneme awareness phonological awareness, beginning word recognition and English language conventions including left to right tracking skills. It develops associations between words and their written representations.
We combine the development of essential cognitive skills with effective instruction to develop effective reading and learning skills.
Fast ForWord to Reading Series ®
These provide a sequenced learning environment that advances the key cognitive skills (Learning MAPs) in the context of sequentially appropriate reading skills.
It targets phonics by developing basic spelling patterns, automatic word recognition, letter-sound correspondences and decoding.
A student will increase their phonemic awareness by developing sensitivity to letter-sound correspondences.
It continues to expand vocabulary through decoding, synonyms, antonyms, homophones and automatic word recognition, paragraph comprehension, cause and effect reasoning and flexible reading. It focuses on syntax and working memory.
It enhances fluency with sentence comprehension, developing syntax, working memory, logical reasoning and vocabulary
It develops comprehension by practicing syntax and working memory skills with both simple and complex sentences. As well as developing skills such as reading for meaning, remembering facts, making connections and drawing inferences.
Currently we offer Fast ForWord to Reading 1 - 4 ® with another two modules in development.
How was Fast ForWord ® developed?
The Fast ForWord © family of products is a series of reading intervention products that incorporates learning from more than 30 years of brain, reading and language research in order to help students build the cognitive skills they need to read or become better readers.
Who should use Fast ForWord Language ® software?
Fast ForWord Language software is for students who are struggling with
reading and need to
need to develop the pre-reading and language skills for successful learning.
In clinical terms what children can benefit from Fast ForWord ®
Generally, children who benefit from Fast ForWord ® products are, six years old or older, one standard deviation behind in language skills and/or speech-sound discrimination skills and/or Reading decoding or comprehension skills and/or exhibit auditory processing disturbances and/or are trying to learn English as a second language. Fast ForWord Language ® is wonderful for building speech-sound discrimination, processing speed, language comprehension and working memory skills.
How does Fast ForWord Language software work?
Fast ForWord Language software applies proven learning principles. We have developed Learning MAPs™: Memory, Attention, Processing and Sequencing, which improve your child’s underlying cognitive processes required for reading and learning.
We also incorporate the Fast Power Learning™ Formula—Frequency
and intensity,
Adaptivity, Simultaneous development, and Timely motivation. These are proven
learning techniques based on decades of neuroscience research.
Why does Fast ForWord Language software work?
We combine patented technology with over 30 years of research on how the
brain learns, to create the Fast ForWord Language ® exercises that develop
the brain's ability to learn better and faster. Each exercise efficiently
targets and develops the cognitive skills needed for successful reading
and learning.
A student will work on over 50,000 exercises during the course, which provide
the frequency, intensity and repetition essential to develop their reading
and learning abilities.
What are the benefits for students who use Fast ForWord Language software?
Fast ForWord Language ® builds fundamental cognitive skills—Learning
MAPs—
in the context of key language and reading skills, including listening accuracy,
phonological awareness and language structures.
For a detailed summary
see What to Expect from Fast ForWord Language (PDF)
What are the Fast ForWord Language © exercises like?
Phonic Words: In this word-identification exercise, participants hear a
word and identify
the matching picture to improve sound processing and word recognition skills.
Language Comprehension Builder: Students build language comprehension skills as they see four pictures depicting action and must match a spoken sentence with the correct picture.
Circus Sequence: Under the Big Top, students differentiate between short
tones to improve
the sequencing, sound processing and working memory skills crucial for fluent
reading.
Other Fast ForWord Language exercises include: Phonic Match, Phoneme Identification, Block Commander, and Old MacDonald's Flying Farm.
You
can see and do sample exercises here
What kind of results have students had with Fast ForWord Language software?
Studies have shown that Fast ForWord products can quickly move students
toward their peer
level in essential reading skills, helping them achieve gains in as little
as 4 - 12 weeks.
When can my child expect to see results?
We expect to see significant gains after six weeks when the course protocol is followed.
The Education Commission of the United States reported that “Studies indicate that students trained with Fast ForWord® make, an average, one to two years gains after four to eight weeks of training.”
Does Fast ForWord ® improve reading skills?
Yes. To maximise effectiveness we have a recommended protocol of study which can be completed in as early as 4 to 6 weeks. Students’ results are reported by Fast ForWord Tracker ®.
The connection to the teacher is established with daily analysis of student
performance, alignment to Department of Education standards and correlations
to major reading standards.
Do students achieve significantly improved results with Fast ForWord ©
Students who use Fast ForWord products have shown significant improvements relative to comparison groups. Over 36 studies show the impressive gains students make with Fast ForWord ®.
Why is Fast ForWord ® the right choice for your child?
Fast ForWord © has a proven track record in improving dyslexia & reading disorders. In the USA over 475,000 students have already been through the program.
We use a unique scientific approach that ensures students cover the essential skills for reading and learning
All courses are personalized to your child’s individual requirements
Our professional experienced staff work closely with each student and you the parents to ensure motivation, proper use of the product and measurable results
We can help your child achieve results that can be seen in eight weeks or less
All our results can be measured and we give full open feedback to you and your child.
Can you give me a summary of what each Fast ForWord © product does?
Fast ForWord Language® is wonderful for building speech-sound discrimination, processing speed, language comprehension and working memory skills.
Language to Reading ® begins the process of building sound-letter correspondence.
The Fast ForWord Reading ®series continues to build working memory, attention, and processing skills in the context of grade level reading and spelling activities.
What is the Fast ForWord © products series?
Our reading intervention courses are designed to simultaneously develop language skills and a student’s cognitive abilities.
Fast ForWord Language ®
Our first course provides the essential foundations of reading.
It builds fundamental cognitive skills of memory, attention, processing and sequencing (Learning MAPs ©) in the context of key language and reading skills, including listening accuracy.
It develops phonemic awareness by improving auditory discrimination and letter and word recognition skills. It helps students identify specific phonemes.
It improves phonological awareness and language structures.
It enhances vocabulary by helping students differentiate between similar sounding words. It improves skills in work meaning, oral language, listening comprehension, and the ability to follow directions. It also develops syntax and morphology skills.
It fosters fluency and comprehension by developing listening comprehension and the ability to follow directions, while developing memory to store background information.
Fast ForWord Middle & High ®
This is similar to Fast ForWord Language ®, but with graphics tailored
to older students. The age appropriate contexts build fundamental cognitive
skills of memory, attention, processing and sequencing (Learning MAPs ®)
in the context of key reading skills such as phonological fluency and language
structures.
Fast ForWord Language to Reading ®
This builds on the cognitive and language skills addressed in Fast ForWord
Language ® and Fast ForWord Middle & High®.
It continues to improve the key cognitive skills (Learning MAPs ®) through exercises focused on auditory recognition, sound-letter comprehension, phoneme awareness phonological awareness, beginning word recognition and English language conventions including left to right tracking skills. It develops associations between words and their written representations.
Fast ForWord to Reading Series ®
These provide a sequenced learning environment that advances the key cognitive
skills (Learning MAPs) in the context of sequentially appropriate reading
skills.
It targets phonics by developing basic spelling patterns, automatic word recognition, letter-sound correspondences and decoding.
A student will increase their phonemic awareness by developing sensitivity to letter-sound correspondences.
It continues to expand vocabulary through decoding, synonyms, antonyms, homophones and automatic word recognition, paragraph comprehension, cause and effect reasoning and flexible reading. It focuses on syntax and working memory.
It enhances fluency with sentence comprehension, developing syntax, working memory, logical reasoning and vocabulary
It develops comprehension by practicing syntax and working memory skills with both simple and complex sentences. As well as developing skills such as reading for meaning, remembering facts, making connections and drawing inferences.
Currently we offer Fast ForWord to Reading 1 - 4 ® with another two modules in development.
What are the typical course schedules?
Students using Fast ForWord Language software follow one of three intensive schedules:
- 50 minutes each day, five days a week, for 8 - 12 weeks OR
- 75 minutes each day, five days a week, for 6 - 10 weeks OR
- 100 minutes each day, five days a week, for 4 - 8 weeks
By following either the 50-Minute Protocol, or the 75-Minute Protocol,
or the 100-Minute Protocol, students can achieve maximum success.
How do I know Fast ForWord Language software is working?
Student results are reported by our Fast ForWord Progress Tracker ®, which is unique in education for its up to date comprehensive reporting of a student’s progress. Fast ForWord Progress Tracker ® reports provide disaggregated data on the individual cognitive development of each student.
We use the analysis of individual student progress to put in place specific instructional intervention for each individual.
It provides clear action-oriented information on individuals, classes or group performance. We segment this according to various learning profiles.
Information is provided automatically including diagnostic and prescriptive information and in displayed in graphs, tables and diagrams with a commentary where appropriate.
This extensive analysis allows us to maximise the impact of our instruction and the effectiveness of our products as well as providing valuable feedback to parents and teachers on the student’s progress
The analysis of individual student progress can be automatically delivered to teachers and parents with specific recommendations for instructional intervention.
What assessment tests do you normally recommend?
We usually use the CELF or TOLD for language testing, the GFW for speech-sound discrimination testing, the SCAN or similar instrument to screen for auditory processing disorders, and the Woodcock-Johnson for Reading.
Do students maintain their gains over a longer period of time?
Yes students do retain the gains and indeed continue to improve after using Fast ForWord ©. As an example in one research study, a group of students made significant gains in their vocabulary skills and overall language skills and maintained these improvements for up to one year after using the Fast ForWord Language product.
For
more information click here
What are Learning MAPS ® ?
We have developed our own method Learning MAPs™: Memory, Attention,
Processing and Sequencing, to improve the essential cognitive processes
that a student needs for reading and learning.
Examples in Fast ForWord ® products include:
MEMORY Improves the ability to retain information both short and long term. This is essential for word recognition, comprehension of complex sentences, and remembering instruction.
ATTENTION Enhances the ability to focus on multiple tasks and ignore distractions
PROCESSING Allows you to see, analyze and discriminate
images and sounds quickly
enough to discriminate their differences; a prerequisite for phonemic awareness
and reading
SEQUENCING This is a cognitive skill that relies on memory, attention and processing and is essential for phonics, word fluency, reading and oral comprehension. Sequencing places information in a logical order which in turn allows for improved memory attention and processing
What is the Fast Power Learning™ Formula?
We incorporate the key areas of Frequency and Intensity, Adaptivity, Simultaneous development, and Timely motivation that are proven learning techniques based on decades of neuroscience research.
Frequency And Intensity
Brain plasticity research demonstrates that completing a set of learning
tasks in a frequent, intense timeframe accelerates learning.
Adaptivity
Interactive exercises automatically adapt to individual skill levels and
responses
Simultaneous Development
Exercises develop major cognitive and reading skills simultaneously to ensure
enduring improvements in learning
Timely Motivation
We use a tiered rewards systems that are designed to maximize motivation
What research has been done on Fast ForWord ©?
Fast ForWord © has been subject to extensive research on a multitude
of aspects including,
Language processing skills, Cognitive skills and Special Education Needs.
For a comprehensive list of research see (http://www.scilearn.com/results/main=downloads)
We have listed some of the relevant studies below:
Language Comprehension
This US sample of at-risk English Language Learner students significantly
improved language
comprehension, a skill critical to becoming a strong reader. The group's
performance moved
quickly from below average to well within the average range after using
the Fast ForWord © Language product. For
more information click here
Vocabulary
A group of students made significant gains in their vocabulary skills
and overall language skills,
and maintained these improvements for up to one year after using the Fast
ForWord Language product.
For
more information click here
What impact has Fast ForWord © on students cognitive skills?
Improved Memory
We assist students to improve their working memory. This provides them the
capacity to retain information for a short time, while actively processing
or working with it. This group of Fast ForWord Middle & High School
users improved working memory, moving their scores higher into the average
range, and showing significantly greater improvements than the comparison
group
For
more information click here
Attention
Focused and sustained attention provide the ability to concentrate on a
task without being distracted. On average, Fast ForWord users showed improvements
in attention.
For
more information click here
Processing Skills
Auditory processing skills, including the ability to discriminate the fast
changes that distinguish
many phonemes, provide the foundation for acquiring strong verbal language
skills and for
learning to read. After using the Fast ForWord Language product, on average,
users from an
at-risk population moved well into the average auditory processing range
in both quiet and noisy conditions.
For
more information click here
SEQUENCING This is a cognitive skill that relies on memory, attention and processing and is essential for phonics, word fluency, reading and oral comprehension. Sequencing places information in a logical order which in turn allows for improved memory attention and processing.
For
more information click here
What is the scientific evidence for the effectiveness of Fast ForWord ®?
For a review of the science including a list of articles, papers, conference
presentations etc.
Click
here
See
the Education Commission of the States review which reported “Studies
indicate that students trained with Fast ForWord® make, an average,
one to two years gains
after four to eight weeks of training.”
How can Children with dyslexia benefit from Fast ForWord © ?
Fluency is a critical factor in reading comprehension. In a study on average,
students with dyslexia made greater improvements on measures of fluency
compared to a control group after using the Fast ForWord Language ©
product.
For
more information click here
Is their any evidence that Fast Forward © benefits Dyslexics ?
In a recent study completed in Stanford University brain imaging scans of
children with dyslexia who used the Fast ForWord Language product showed
normalization of activity in critical areas of the brain used for reading.
Furthermore, this group of students showed significant improvements in reading
and
oral language skills on a number of assessments.
For
more information click here
Can Fast ForWord © work with children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders?
Children diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) made significant
gains in their oral language skills after using the Fast ForWord Language
product. One-third of the children were diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental
Disorder- autism, two-thirds were diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental
Disorder- not otherwise specified. The improvements seen for the two diagnoses
were similar.
For
more information click here
Improved Reading and Phonological Awareness
Overall, a diverse group of students, including English language learners
and students receiving special education services, from the Killeen Independent
School District had significantly improved reading abilities after sequential
use of the Fast ForWord products. Their reading improvements continued even
after they finished the products.
For
more information click here
Can Fast ForWord © benefit gifted and talented students?
Yes absolutely. Students classified as "gifted" used the Fast
ForWord © Language and Fast ForWord Language to Reading © products.
After using the products, on average, the students showed significant gains
in their decoding skills.
For
more information click here
Phonics
Why is English so complex?
English has 1,120 letter combinations that make 44 sounds. Italian by contrast has only 33 letter combinations that make up 25 sounds. So English is not the most accessible phonetical language. We work on these combinations in order to give students a strong awareness of phenomes and phonics to build their reading and comprehension skills.
We also work on spelling and language comprehension as well as logical meaning, making connections and drawing inferences.
How important are phonics?
Phonics are the building blocks of language. These are the teaching of letters and sounds. Simply put, without an effective grasp of phonics children cannot read properly. According to Chris Woodhead The Sunday Times Education Corrospondent “in the crucial early years of a child’s education we need phonics and only phonics.” ST 19th December 2004.
“If the phonics are right then a child can decode effortlessly and
everything follows.”
Is Fast ForWord just a phonics program?
No. Fast ForWord ® also improves the essential cognitive skills of memory, attention and focus, processing and sequencing to lay the foundation for good reading and learning skills.
How does Fast ForWord ® improve reading skills?
Fast ForWord ® as well as improving cognitive skills MAPS (memory, attention, processing and sequencing) helps a student improve their Phonemic Awareness, their Phonics, Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary and Fluency.
What do students say about Fast ForWord ©?
"It was just like the words were clicking together...I couldn't believe it. I ran to my mom and showed her and she started to cry." Willie Brown, Student
What do teachers and experts say about Fast ForWord ©?
“Studies indicate that students trained with Fast ForWord® make, an average, one to two years gains after four to eight weeks of training.”
Education Commission of the United States
"I'm incredibly impressed, overwhelmed by the results."
Terri Spitko, Speech Pathologist.
"We ended up selecting students who were considered at-risk, as well as those who needed basic reading help...I saw a different type of student after the programs...they wanted to participate in school and get more involved in everything from English and Math classes, to PE and music."
Samuel Stillwell, Jr., Vice Principal, Cornelius Elementary School, Houston, TX
"It has opened our eyes to what technology and brain research can do."
Mary Nardo, Fast ForWord Coordinator, Harrisburg School District, quoted in The Philadelphia Inquirer
"We are totally in awe of what we're seeing."
Myra Forrest, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Pottstown School District, quoted in The Mercury
"This is my 32nd year in education, and I can clearly
say that the Scientific Learning programs
have had the single greatest impact on individual children of any program
that I've worked with."
Cheryl Laub, Principal, Centerville Elementary School, Lancaster, PA
What does the press say about Fast ForWord ©?
“Fast ForWord seems to be effective. It improves understanding of spoken language in about 90% of children with language problems; preliminary evidence suggests that the game may also have a big impact when it comes to improving reading.”
Dec 4th 1997 © The
Economist (subscription required)
Robert Winston “the human mind”
“They devised a CD ROM game for dyslexic children called FastForward (sic) which is played fifteen hours each week. It trains their brains to register the quick changes between one sound and another in normal speech. After a four week period, exercised brains showed a leap of as much as two years’ worth of language ability”
“The Fast ForWord games are like mental aerobics – designed
to strengthen weak connections in those parts of the brain that support
language skills”
July 5th 1999 © Time Magazine
“Fast ForWord does something quite a bit more revolutionary than your run-of-the-mill educational CD: it rewires brains.”
January 1st 2000 © Newsweek
“it seemed Fast ForWord was doing something more dramatic than your
run-of-the-mill
Educational CD: It was rewiring brains"
October 11th 2002 © Dow Jones & Company, Inc
What are Neuron Learning centres like?
Our centres are designed with your child in mind. Warm and welcoming they
offer
a positive environment that stimulates the learning experience. They are
designed in a professional contemporary style. They include a learning area,
individual classrooms, consulting rooms and a social area.
We also have conference facilities which are available for group sessions,
lectures and educational forums.
Click here for a map.
Can I set off the cost of Neuron Learning courses against my Income Taxation?
The Revenue Commissioners may allow medical expenses for learning and other disabilities to be offset against your personal income taxation.
What is Brain Connection?
Brain Connection is a website sponsored by Scientific Learning. This site is devoted to the brain and contains interesting courses, articles, diagrams and other information about the brain and neuroscience and learning. See www.brainconnection.com for more details.
Who are Scientific Learning Inc?
Scientific Learning Inc is the developer of Fast Forward ®
The mission of Scientific Learning is to apply advances in neuroscience and cognitive research to increase human potential. We produce unique products, tools and implementation strategies that enable people to build the fundamental cognitive skills to read and learn.
See www.scilearn.com
for more details.
