Dyslexia in higher education: enhancing student belonging and overcoming barriers to achievement through communities of practice

Authors

  • Karen Welton Arts University Plymouth

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47408/jldhe.vi26.933

Keywords:

dyslexia, community of practice, belonging, confidence, achievement, empowered

Abstract

Feeling that they belong is a crucial part of a student's learning journey which impacts enjoyment, attainment and retention. Dyslexic students can feel isolated within their diagnosis and do not openly discuss their inherent challenges and strengths, often due to previous educational and/or social misconceptions. In the United Kingdom, with a professional diagnosis, tailored support for this Specific Learning Difference (SpLD) may be sought through government funding known as Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). However, many dyslexic students remain undiagnosed, or do not wish to disclose, and this, combined with a reduction in DSA funding in 2015, has negatively impacted the achievement and affinity of this cohort. Although as a result of this funding cut higher education institutions became legally responsible for making reasonable adjustments to their teaching practices, this broad-brush approach does not support dyslexic students in understanding the many intricacies associated with this SpLD, or how to navigate their learning in a higher education context. To bridge this gap, and help like-minded students share ideas to help others whilst also developing their own skills and confidence, I initiated a community of practice (CoP). After a year of fortnightly meetings, a group of empowered individuals, who had a much deeper understanding of what being dyslexic meant, emerged with newfound confidence, having connected and collaborated with neurologically similar people.  

Author Biography

Karen Welton, Arts University Plymouth

Karen Welton is a Learning Development Adviser at Arts University Plymouth. She has a particular interest in dyslexia and is passionate about raising awareness of neurodiversity from a 360° perspective, not just the challenges which are often fixated upon within the educational and wider community. Her Masters in Education thesis explored her understanding of dyslexia, her role, and the skills she needed to successfully support dyslexic students at a higher education level.

References

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Published

28-02-2023

How to Cite

Welton, K. (2023) “Dyslexia in higher education: enhancing student belonging and overcoming barriers to achievement through communities of practice”, Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education, (26). doi: 10.47408/jldhe.vi26.933.