Specific Learning Difficulties
Specific Learning Difficulties (SLD)
Specific Learning Difficulties (SLD) are neurodevelopmental conditions that impact the brain's ability to process information. Individuals with SLDs typically have average or above-average intelligence but face difficulties with reading, spelling, and dictating words accurately and fluently.
Common Types:
- Dyslexia: Struggles with reading, writing, and spelling.
- Dysgraphia: Issues with writing, including handwriting and spelling.
- Dyscalculia: Difficulties with arithmetic and understanding numbers.
- Reading and Writing
- Difficulties in understanding and retaining lengthy texts
- Difficulties in maintaining focus during reading tasks
- Issues with spelling, grammar, punctuation and organising thoughts
- Extra time required for reading and writing tasks
- Organizational Skills
- Problems with planning, prioritizing, and time management
- Overwhelming in keeping track of materials and assignments
- Struggles to integrate materials from different sources and formats
- Information Processing
- Difficulties in keeping up with lectures and fast-paced discussions due to slow processing speed
- Challenges in retaining and recalling information
- Use clear and direct language; avoid jargon and complex sentences
- Allow more time for students to process information and respond
- Break down complex instructions in small and manageable steps and provide these steps in verbal and written formats
- Recap key points
- Prompt students to paraphrase instructions to confirm their understanding
- Incorporate visual aids (e.g. diagrams, charts) and written summaries to enhance verbal instructions
- Use a mix of lectures, discussions, group work, and hands-on activities
- Integrate assistive technologies (e.g. speech-to-text software and audio books) to support diverse learning needs
- Choose clear fonts and high-contrast colors for teaching materials to enhance readability
- Provide learning materials prior to class to enable early preparation
- Allow audio/video recordings of lectures for revision
- Discuss special learning and exam arrangements privately with students
- Encourage students to express their needs and preferences regarding accommodations
- Consider flexibility in time and format for assignments and tests
- Allow extended time for exams (recommended by professionals)
- Use bullet points and headings to make information easier to digest
- Provide interim feedback on assignments
- Flexibility with spelling and grammatical mistakes while those mistakes do not affect the assessment objectives
- Arrange a separate room for exams/tests to minimise distractions if possible
