During my experience of teaching adult learners with dyslexia, I have discovered that some of the simplest adaptations to learning materials or methods can make a huge difference to the learning success of dyslexic students.
Here are a few that have proved successful: · Changing paper or screen colour - many dyslexics find black font on a white background particularly difficult to read so changing the background colour can help · Using a plastic coloured overlay - this will help to combat white glare when there is no background colour choice.
You should experiment with different colours to find the one that works best for you · Taking notes when reading - this can help to focus your mind and concentrate more effectively on what you are reading.
It is also easier to refer to your notes if you do lose the sense of what you are reading · Using a mind-map - a mind map can be used to record thoughts and ideas as they occur to you, allowing you to create visual links between them to help plan and organise a range of activities · Recording and replaying information - many dyslexic people find a Dictaphone or other recording device useful for recording information and instructions given in class or at meetings.
I also know of some dyslexic students who record their own thoughts and ideas when conducting research.
· Using a reading ruler - this can help to overcome the problem of 'losing your place' when reading blocks of text · Enlarging text, creating white space and adding headings - when preparing handouts and briefs for dyslexic students, I often use a larger font (14pt) and break down longer paragraphs of text into smaller chunks.
I then add double spacing between these smaller paragraphs and add bold headings to signpost content.
· Using the SQ3R approach to reading - the SQ3R approach involves an initial Scan of the text for clues, then the formulating of Questions based on the limited information detected.
The 3Rs stand for Read, Recall and Review.
The text is then carefully Read with a view to answering those questions, before being put to one side while the reader attempts to Recall the information and write it down in note form.
The last stage involves reading over the text again in order to Review the accuracy of the notes taken during the recall stage.
These are just a few of the most popular strategies for overcoming dyslexia used by my students.
The more you know about your particular dyslexic tendencies, the easier it is to find strategies to help you overcome them.
The first step in overcoming your dyslexia is to have a proper diagnosis.
That way you can select the most effective methods and strategies for your own specific difficulties.