Research conducted at the University of Jyväskylä for many years already into reading difficulties has produced important knowledge of how problems with reading can be recognised in time and how they can be prevented from occurring. Study of reading difficulties and dealing with them is vital, since even minor difficulties can have serious knock-on effects on learning in general.
For instance, problems with reading and attentiveness can provoke one another. A reading difficulty has also been shown to have an influence on self-confidence and on willingness to learn and go to school.
"Reading difficulties should be overcome preferably by means of preventive practice, which means that experiences of failure in school can be avoided", says Heikki Lyytinen, Professor of Developmental Neuropsychology at the University of Jyväskylä.
Research findings have provided the impetus to investigate the possibility of transferring the theoretical base of the learning model also to languages differing considerably from writing systems in Finnish.
A learning game (Ekapeli) developed by Lyytinen's team and located on the net has provided those suffering from reading difficulties with a learning opportunity of a new kind. The game has been introduced widely in Finnish schools.
The game practices the associations between the letters of the alphabet and the sounds corresponding to them. With its help a child can obtain such additional support that learning to read at the same pace as other pupils becomes easier. In recognition of this important work Lyytinen received the Nokia Foundation's 2004 award for promoting the use of modern information technology in learning development projects and in early rehabilitation of learning difficulties. --------
The City of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä Regional Development Company Jykes Ltd. and in particular the region's special expertise and companies were on prominent display at the Expo 2005 world exposition in Nagoya, Japan.
In the middle of May the Jyväskylä region enjoyed the use of show facilities in the Nordic Pavilion, dubbed the 'Oasis of the North', which attracted numerous representatives of the media and different companies, investors and decision-makers, as well as visitors otherwise interested in Finland.
During the week at the Jyväskylä region's disposal there were company presentations, a fashion show and a seminar in which expertise in the Jyväskylä region and particularly the Human Technology City concept were given thorough coverage.
At the seminar interest was aroused among other things by Professor Heikki Lyytinen's views on research into reading difficulties and a learning game developed to overcome such problems, as well as Professor Paavo Komi's ideas on the biomechanical modelling of human movement and exploitation of the same in robotics.
The world exposition offered firms in the Jyväskylä region an excellent opportunity to forge new contacts with Japan.
By the end of May the world exposition had already welcomed four million visitors. The Nordic Pavilion has attracted about 12 000 people each day, making it one of the most popular visitor attractions.
Opened in March, Expo 2005 continues until September 24th.
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Photo: Professor Heikki Lyytinen. By Tarja Vänskä-Kauhanen