Systematic Review of Studies on Visual Phonics

Abstract

Visual Phonics is a multisensory teaching tool that has the potential to improve reading outcomes. The purpose of this systematic review is to examine studies on Visual Phonics to provide a comprehensive understanding of the effects on code-related skills. Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. The results demonstrate that Visual Phonics can be an effective strategy to teach code-related skills for at-risk hearing kindergarteners and d/Deaf and hard of hearing students, regardless of the degree of hearing loss, grade placement, communication method, home language, and prevalence of an additional disability. A number of these studies contain limitations such as a small sample size, difficulty with obtaining a randomized sample, lack of a control group, and difficulty with the generalization of findings. Therefore, there is a need for additional research on the effects of Visual Phonics and its progression to becoming an evidence-based practice.