The Effectiveness of Problem Solving Skills Training on Reducing Shyness and Increasing Academic Achievement Motivation in Elementary School Students with Dyslexic Learning Disorder

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of problem solving skills training on reducing shyness and increasing academic achievement motivation in students with special learning disorder (dyslexia) in elementary school girl in Tabriz.

The research design was quasi-experimental with pretest-posttest with control group. The statistical population consisted of female students with dyslexia in the 4th grade of Tabriz District 4 in the academic year of 1977-2009. Thirty students were selected through purposeful sampling based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. 15 patients were replaced for control group. Chick-Briggs Shyness Questionnaire, Hermes Progress Motivation Questionnaire, and Nausaf Reading Test were used for data collection. Problem solving skills training was provided for the experimental group but not for the control group. Statistical analysis of covariance was used to analyze the data.

The results showed that problem solving skills training affects shyness and academic achievement motivation in students and decreases shyness and enhances academic achievement motivation in students with specific learning disorder.

Therefore, problem solving skills training plays an important role in shyness and motivation of students' academic achievement. Keywords: Academic Achievement Motivation, Shyness, Problem Solving Skills, Dyslexia