Examining academic confidence and study support needs for university students with dyslexia and/or developmental coordination disorder

Sumner, Emma J; Crane, Laura and Hill, Elisabeth L.. 2021. Examining academic confidence and study support needs for university students with dyslexia and/or developmental coordination disorder. Dyslexia, 27(1), pp. 94-109. ISSN 1076-9242 [Article]

[img]
Preview
Text
Sumner et al Dyslexia2020.pdf - Accepted Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial.

Download (477kB) | Preview

Abstract or Description

Higher education providers are seeing a shift from externally-funded support for students with specific learning difficulties (SpLD), to a need to develop more inclusive practices generally. However, the precise needs of students with different SpLD diagnoses is unknown. 367 students in England and Wales (163 students with dyslexia, 50 students with developmental coordination disorder (DCD/‘dyspraxia’), 62 students with dyslexia and DCD, and 92 non-SpLD students) completed an online questionnaire to determine: (i) how confident they are with their study-related capabilities, (ii) the types of support they access, and (iii) their views on current inclusive practices. Students with dyslexia and students with dyslexia/DCD reported lower confidence in their grades and studying than non-SpLD students, and accessed more technology-related support than students with DCD only. Examination accommodations supporting writing were common for all SpLD students. Inclusive practices were perceived positively, although different priorities were seen across groups. The findings demonstrate the complexities inherent in providing effective support for all students at university, with the varied profiles across and within SpLD groups suggesting that an individualised approach is necessary. Practical implications are discussed.

Item Type:

Article

Identification Number (DOI):

https://doi.org/10.1002/dys.1670

Keywords:

dyslexia, dyspraxia, developmental coordination disorder, higher education, academic confidence, study support

Departments, Centres and Research Units:

Psychology

Dates:

DateEvent
6 October 2020Accepted
24 October 2020Published Online
February 2021Published

Item ID:

29353

Date Deposited:

16 Oct 2020 14:54

Last Modified:

24 Oct 2022 01:26

Peer Reviewed:

Yes, this version has been peer-reviewed.

URI:

https://research.gold.ac.uk/id/eprint/29353

View statistics for this item...

Edit Record Edit Record (login required)