Hi
I'd like to see some independent research findings based on their efficacy
as a support tool - before making recommendations.
I'm a great believer in going back to learning basics (eg concrete
operational) where necessary, but wonder whether diagrammatic
representations (shapes on paper) of logical processes could be as
effective, at far lower cost.
I won't be in a rush to recommend these. For me, they'll go in the same
box as DDAT, Tintavision, the Davis method, and quite a few other magical
systems, remediations, and tools - until I see some solid proof of worth.
I'll try to keep the lid of the box (and my mind) open though - and will
readily adopt a more positive stance as necessary.
Cheers
Peter Hill
(Needs Assessor)
> Dear Colleagues,
>
>
>
> I could write a long defence of Mozi Blocks, but a workshop for the sector
> on the implications of this little tool would be far better.
>
>
>
> In the meantime, a few comments:
>
>
>
> First of all, play is not frivolous. It is fundamental to effective
> learning
> - problem solving cannot be done in the abstract without the development
> of
> spatial concepts developed through literally the handling of objects, or
> the
> physical investigation of the world around us.
>
>
>
> Well deployed exercises with Mozi Blocks can save a great deal of
> unrewarded
> labour through their effect of underpinning the foundations of
> ‘academically
> effective’ reading and writing. Specialist learning support is more
> strategically effective in certain areas; ones where the paper and pencil
> method alone doesn’t reach.
>
>
>
> Mozi Blocks are worth recommending for anyone who has either a dyspraxia
> diagnosis or where perceptual organisation skills (POI- WAIS) are reduced
> against verbal potential (VCI - WAIS) or the Writ equivalents.
>
>
>
> They were introduced to me by a practitioner who has undertaken a great
> deal
> of work with children with a dyspraxia diagnosis being treated at Great
> Ormond Street – again, not frivolous.
>
>
>
> They ought to be cost saving. Mozi Blocks + DVD demonstrating how to use
> them + p & p £50. Time saved, and effectiveness of specialist learning
> support improved – not quantifiable- priceless.
>
>
>
> We are missing a trick or two if we don’t use them routinely where the
> apply
> well.
>
>
>
>
>
> Kind regards,
>
>
> Penny
>
> Penny Georgiou
>
> Access 1st
>
> Needs Assessment, Advice and Support Services
>
> For Disabled Students in Higher Education
>
> Direct: 07708 791 880
>
>
>
> Tel: 020 7222 4877 Fax: 020 7152 4001
>
> 5th Floor, 50, Broadway, St James's Park, London, SW1H 0GR
>
> http://www.Access-1st.co.uk/
>
> Registered Office: 9 Dartmouth Street, London, SW1H 9BL
>
>
>
> From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff.
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Michael Parry
> Sent: 29 July 2011 12:56
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Mosi Blox?? Is this legitimate use of the DSA.
>
>
>
> Very interesting.
>
>
>
> I do agree, DSA assessors should avoid recommending frivolous products
> but…
>
>
>
> IF it these blocks are accepted within the psychological community as
> doing
> what they are supposed to do, I actually think they might be a legitimate
> recommendation.
>
>
>
> Agreed they’re not ‘assistive’ but they could conceivably be thought of as
> an additional expense, so it meets the primary DSA criterion..
>
>
>
> Mike P
>
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff.
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Simon Jarvis
> Sent: Friday, July 29, 2011 12:48 PM
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Re: Mosi Blox?? Is this legitimate use of the DSA.
>
>
>
> Given the website says that
>
> "MOZIBLOX are an exciting new toy suitable for children of all ages!" and
> generally look like something you'd play with at Primary School I can't
> imagine the student is that keen on having them.
>
> Have you asked the student about the recommendation? More intriguingly,
> have
> the funding body agreed to the recommendation?
>
> Simon
>
> On 29/07/2011 12:32, Mark Phillips wrote:
>
> I have recently received a needs assessment report where one of the
> recommendations is that the student is supplied with a set of Mozi blocks.
> I've never come across this product as an assistive technology so googled
> the product ( <http://www.moziblox.com/> http://www.moziblox.com/). On
> the
> face of it looks like the product is simply a type of 3D puzzle. The
> blocks
> were recommended as a means of developing organisational and logistical
> skills. I would appreciate comments on this product as I feel this seems
> a
> frivolous recommendation to be funded through the DSA. This product may
> have its merits as a learning and developmental tool in the hands of a
> Dyslexia professional but I cannot see that this is assistive in any way.
>
> Your comments and thoughts would be appreciated.
>
> Mark Phillips
>
> (Needs Assessor)
> Assessment Centre, Cardiff
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> Simon Jarvis
> Head of Disability & Dyslexia Service
> Queen Mary University of London
>
> Student and Campus Services
> Room FB 2.30, Francis Bancroft
> Mile End Road, London E1 4NS
> Tel: 020 7882 2765
> Fax: 020 7882 5223
> www.scs.qmul.ac.uk
>
--------------------------
Peter Hill
Tel: 01299 896920
[log in to unmask]
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