With exam season fast approaching, dyslexic students can often face additional challenges in preparing for and sitting exams.
Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that affects reading, writing, and spelling, and can make exam situations particularly difficult.
In this blog post, we’ll provide advice and tips for dyslexic students and also offer guidance on how teachers, parents, and friends can support them during this time. Let’s help empower dyslexic learners and leave them feeling confident walking into exams!
Here are our helpful tips for dyslexic learners in preparation for exam season:
- Understand your learning style – Dyslexic students often have a different learning style than their peers, so it’s important to understand how you learn best. Some students might find it helpful to use visual aids such as mind maps or diagrams to help with revision, while others might benefit from using text-to-speech software to help with reading and writing tasks. Understanding your learning style can help you tailor your revision and exam preparation to suit your individual needs.
- Use technology to your advantage – There are many tools and apps available that can help dyslexic students with reading, writing, and note-taking tasks. For example, text-to-speech software can read out exam questions or notes, while speech-to-text software can be used for writing tasks. Mind mapping tools such as MindMeister or XMind can help with revision and note-taking, and there are also many spell-checkers and grammar-checkers available that can help with written work.
- Break down revision into manageable chunks – Revision can be overwhelming, so it’s important to break it down into smaller, more manageable chunks. This can help dyslexic students to stay focused and avoid feeling overwhelmed. Create a revision timetable that breaks down your revision into smaller chunks and include regular breaks.
- Practise exam techniques – It’s important to practice exam techniques and to become familiar with the format and style of exam questions. Dyslexic students may benefit from using past papers or sample questions to help them prepare for exams. This can help to reduce anxiety and ensure that students are familiar with the exam format and expectations.
- Seek support – Teachers and peers Teachers and peers can be a valuable source of support for dyslexic students. Teachers can offer additional support and guidance on exam techniques and revision strategies, while peers can provide encouragement and support. If you’re struggling with a particular subject or task, don’t be afraid to ask for help and support.
- Focus on your strengths – It’s important to focus on your strengths and what you can do well. Dyslexic students often have many strengths, such as creativity, problem-solving skills, and the ability to think outside the box. Focusing on these strengths can help to build confidence and reduce anxiety.
- Take care of yourself – Finally, it’s important to take care of yourself during exam season. Ensure that you get plenty of rest, eat a healthy diet, and take regular breaks. Exercise and other stress-reducing activities such as meditation or yoga can also be helpful in managing exam-related anxiety.
Supporting dyslexic students as well as providing support and guidance to dyslexic students, teachers, parents, and friends can also help by:
- Providing additional time for exams and assignments
- Allowing the use of assistive technology such as text-to-speech software or speech-to-text software
- Providing written instructions in a clear and concise manner
- Breaking down tasks into manageable chunks
- Offering encouragement and support.
In conclusion, dyslexic students can face additional challenges during exam season, but with the right support and guidance, they can succeed.
Understanding your learning style, using technology to your advantage, breaking down revision into manageable chunks, and seeking support from teachers and peers are all important steps in preparing for exams.
With the right support and approach, dyslexic students can not only navigate exam season successfully but also thrive and reach their full potential.
About Dyslexia First
At Dyslexia First we want to help those who are living with dyslexia to enjoy life and the opportunities it brings. We are relentlessly positive about dyslexia.
If you would like to talk further about dyslexia and discuss assessment for children or adults, please get in touch.
Getting assessed by a qualified practitioner is crucial to getting the correct diagnosis and accessing the help and support you need for your child. Always check an assessor’s qualifications at: SpLD Assessment Standards Committee website.
