An introduction to An introduction to Dyslexia: impacts on Dyslexia: impacts on learning learning Jan Stevens Senior Lecturer Senior Disability Advisor (Dyslexia) Tel. ext 4528
Dec 30, 2015
An introduction to Dyslexia: An introduction to Dyslexia: impacts on learningimpacts on learning
Jan StevensSenior Lecturer
Senior Disability Advisor (Dyslexia)
Tel. ext 4528
Today's sessionToday's session
What is dyslexia? How does it impact on learning
Dyslexia – what is it?Dyslexia – what is it?Describes a different kind of mind - often
gifted and productive - that learns differently
Each dyslexic person experiences their difficulties in different ways
Problems emerge, and are particularly observed by others, in reading, spelling, writing
BUT - it's not just these areas that are affected - can also affect speaking, listening and organisational skills
Cognitive processingCognitive processing
Memory
Information processing speed
Phonological awareness
Impact of dyslexia on Impact of dyslexia on acquisition of knowledgeacquisition of knowledge
Dyslexia is a receptive and expressive language processing weakness
It impacts on◦information that comes in (received)◦how it is organised (stored)◦how it is retrieved (expressed)
Working memoryWorking memoryThe ability to hold information relating to tasks in
memory; may be highly sequenced or require many operations.
The basic skills of reading, reading comprehension and spelling make considerable demands on working memory.
Reading comprehension is particularly reliant on working memory, as it requires the ability to hold words and phrases in memory whilst simultaneously decoding other words to establish meaning.
Working Memory taskWorking Memory task
6G1 16 G68I4E 468 EIC73G6B 367 BCGI83D41A 1348 ADI
Working memoryWorking memory
An inefficient working memory impacts on 'both verbal and written communication as well as on organisation, planning and adaptation to change (McLoughlin et al., 2002)
Dyslexia cont....Dyslexia cont....So - it's not that a person with dyslexia
can't read or spell - mostly they can, but they lack AUTOMATICITY in these skills, due to:
Short-term Memory (storage)Working memory (processing)OrganisationWeak phonological skills
Common 'Symptoms'Common 'Symptoms' Short-term/rote memory Reading Spelling Written expression Handwriting Grammar Use of vocabulary – word retrieval Concentration including listening Pronunciation Organisation Sequencing – of information, time. Mathematics
Come on, hurry up!Come on, hurry up!
Addysgu Mae gwaith yr Uned Dyslecsia yn ymesten
dros ardal eang Gogledd-Orllewin Cymru, a'r rhan helaethaf ohoni'n wledig. O ganylniad, nid yw'r Uned yr cynnal canoflan addysgu. Mae ganndi swyggfeydd ac ystafelloedd at ddefnydd athrawon, ond addysgir yn bennaf mewn ysgolion neu leoedd eraill.
Copying Copying Several skills involved
◦Reading fluency and automaticity◦Reliable working memory◦Accurate tracking along the line◦Accurate spelling
These skills tend to be inefficient for dyslexic students
Part of the ChallengePart of the Challenge
40% of dyslexic students at University are identified as dyslexic whilst on their courses.
Why?Why?Dyslexia bears no relation to
intelligenceOften because they have developed their
own coping strategies which have previously worked well
Course demands – additional reading and writing increases anxiety and causes these strategies to break down more quickly
Can happen at anytime during their course.Fear of finding out
Coping mechanism: Coping mechanism: remediationremediation
Many mature students are "well remediated"
Are able to cope at challenging levels and tasks
Skills still fragile when facing new work
Weak automaticity
Cycles and Self EsteemCycles and Self Esteem
Anxiety - Stress -Panic
Tiredness - Frustration - Anger
Low Self Esteem
Those little words........Those little words........
Extract from an exam paper on Computer Programming
"The following constants have been declared as global to the whole programme."
What the student read......What the student read......
"The following constraints have been declared as global to the whole programme."
•Dyslexic strengthsDyslexic strengths
• creative• divergent• holistic• problem solver• good in groups• confident
• vocal• strong orally• determined • resilient• motivated• resourceful
Inclusive PracticeInclusive Practice
Reasonable Adjustments◦will always need these, but…..
An Inclusive Practice approach◦helpful for all students