University life can be exciting, challenging, and sometimes frustrating for students with dyslexia. While dyslexia affects reading, writing, and spelling differently for everyone, certain aspects of university learning can present difficulties.
What is dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a neurodevelopmental learning difference characterised by difficulties with processing language and written information. These differences don't diminish your intelligence or capabilities; they simply mean your brain processes and interprets language in a unique way.
Understanding Your Challenges:
Here's how dyslexia might impact your studies compared to neurotypical peers:
Reading: Decoding text can be slow and difficult, making reading dense textbooks, lecture notes, and long assignments time-consuming and tiring. Lectures might feel like a blur, and understanding complex written materials can be challenging.
Writing: Spelling mistakes, grammatical errors, and difficulty expressing thoughts clearly in writing can lead to frustration and lower grades. Essays, reports, and exams might feel like uphill battles.
Organisation: Keeping track of notes, deadlines, and readings can be challenging. Information overload and disorganised materials might feel overwhelming.
Auditory Processing: Following fast-paced lectures, understanding mumbled instructions, and filtering out background noise can be difficult. Participating in tutorials and group discussions might feel intimidating.
Your Strengths: Embracing the Differences:
Dyslexia presents challenges, but it also comes with unique strengths you can leverage in your studies:
Visual & Spatial Learning: You might excel at visual learning, remembering information through diagrams, mind maps, and multimedia resources. Lectures with visuals? Sign you up!
Problem-Solving & Creativity: You may have a knack for finding creative solutions and approaching problems from different angles. Group projects, anyone?
Oral Communication: You likely express yourself clearly and persuasively in spoken language. Seminars, debates, and presentations might be your forte!
Determination & Resourcefulness: Overcoming challenges has likely fostered a strong work ethic and unwavering determination. You've got this!
The key to academic success with dyslexia lies in understanding your needs and preferences, and finding strategies that work for you. Here are some tips:
Explore Specialist Support: If you are entitled to the Disabled Students’ Allowance, you may be eligible for additional one to one Specialist Study Skills Support. Ask your Disability Advisor or the Disability team (disabilityteam@derby.ac.uk) if this is something you can access.
Advocacy & Accommodations: Connect with support services, like the Disability or Student Support teams, to discuss your needs and access accommodations like extended time on exams, alternative assessment methods, or note-taking support. Remember, you have the right to thrive!
Assistive Technology: Use text-to-speech software, audiobooks, mind mapping apps, and grammar checkers to support reading, writing, and organisation. Remember, technology is your friend!
Alternative Note-Taking: Focus on key concepts and record lectures as audio or video to review later. Use colour-coding, diagrams, and visual organisers to aid understanding.
Study Strategies: Break down information into manageable chunks, use chunking or memory techniques, and find quiet study spaces to limit distractions. Explore different learning methods like audiobooks, group study, or hands-on activities.
Seek Peer Support: Connect with other students with dyslexia on campus or online, via the Union of Students or your own peer networks. Sharing experiences and learning from others can be invaluable. You're not alone!