Dyslexia and Open University
Dyslexia Toolkit
A resource for students and their tutors
Vicki Goodwin and Bonita Thomson
This publication has been written by Vicki Goodwin and Bonita Thomson and produced by the Student Services Communications Team on behalf of the Open University Centre for Educational Guidance and Student Support. It updates and builds on the earlier publication Adult Students and Dyslexia (1995).
The Open University Walton Hall Milton Keynes MK7 6AA First published 2001. Second edition 2004. Third edition 2006. Copyright © 2006 The Open University All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transmitted or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher or a licence from the Copyright Licensing Agency Ltd. Details of such licences (for reprographic reproduction may be obtained from the Copyright Licensing Agency Ltd of 90 Tottenham Court Road, London W1P 0LP. Edited, designed and typeset by The Open University. Printed in the United Kingdom by Hobbs the Printer Limited, Brunel Road, Totton, Hampshire SO40 3WX ISBN N978 0 7492 1260 5
2
Contents
Section 1 What is dyslexia? Defining dyslexia Effects of dyslexia Recognizing dyslexia Studying with dyslexia What are the challenges? Reading Time for study Choosing courses Learning styles 6
Section 2 Mainly for students
11
Section 3 Mainly for students
Study strategies 21 Finding your own approach Getting organized Strategies to help with general study skills Strategies to help with particular subjects Revision and exams 42 Thinking about revision and exams How do you memorize? Paving the way for revision Revision activities throughout the course Planning revision sessions The examination How technology can help Help with reading Help with writing Help with taking notes Help with individual words Help with organizing ideas The internet Using assistive
A resource for students and their tutors
Vicki Goodwin and Bonita Thomson
This publication has been written by Vicki Goodwin and Bonita Thomson and produced by the Student Services Communications Team on behalf of the Open University Centre for Educational Guidance and Student Support. It updates and builds on the earlier publication Adult Students and Dyslexia (1995).
The Open University Walton Hall Milton Keynes MK7 6AA First published 2001. Second edition 2004. Third edition 2006. Copyright © 2006 The Open University All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transmitted or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher or a licence from the Copyright Licensing Agency Ltd. Details of such licences (for reprographic reproduction may be obtained from the Copyright Licensing Agency Ltd of 90 Tottenham Court Road, London W1P 0LP. Edited, designed and typeset by The Open University. Printed in the United Kingdom by Hobbs the Printer Limited, Brunel Road, Totton, Hampshire SO40 3WX ISBN N978 0 7492 1260 5
2
Contents
Section 1 What is dyslexia? Defining dyslexia Effects of dyslexia Recognizing dyslexia Studying with dyslexia What are the challenges? Reading Time for study Choosing courses Learning styles 6
Section 2 Mainly for students
11
Section 3 Mainly for students
Study strategies 21 Finding your own approach Getting organized Strategies to help with general study skills Strategies to help with particular subjects Revision and exams 42 Thinking about revision and exams How do you memorize? Paving the way for revision Revision activities throughout the course Planning revision sessions The examination How technology can help Help with reading Help with writing Help with taking notes Help with individual words Help with organizing ideas The internet Using assistive