How can you adjust your lectures for learners with dyslexia?

1 Use multiple formats

Learners with dyslexia may benefit from having access to different formats of your lecture content, such as slides, handouts, audio recordings, or transcripts. This can help them review the material at their own pace, reinforce their understanding, and reduce their cognitive load. You can also use visual aids, such as images, graphs, or diagrams, to illustrate key concepts and make your lectures more engaging.

2 Simplify your language

Learners with dyslexia may struggle with complex or unfamiliar words, long sentences, or abstract concepts. You can make your lectures more accessible by using simple and clear language, avoiding jargon and acronyms, and explaining any technical terms. You can also break down your lectures into smaller chunks, use headings and subheadings, and summarize the main points at the beginning and end of each section.

3 Provide structure and guidance

Learners with dyslexia may find it hard to follow the logic and sequence of your lectures, especially if they are fast-paced or cover a lot of information. You can help them by providing a clear structure and guidance for your lectures, such as an outline, a learning objective, a roadmap, or a question to focus on. You can also use signposts, such as transitions, keywords, or cues, to highlight the connections and relationships between different topics and ideas.

4 Encourage interaction and feedback

Learners with dyslexia may feel more confident and motivated if they can interact with you and their peers during your lectures. You can create opportunities for interaction and feedback by asking questions, inviting comments, facilitating discussions, or using polls or quizzes. You can also encourage learners to ask questions, clarify doubts, or share their perspectives. This can help them check their understanding, express their opinions, and learn from others.

5 Be flexible and supportive

Learners with dyslexia may have different strengths, weaknesses, preferences, and needs. You can be flexible and supportive by offering them choices and options for how they can access, engage with, and demonstrate their learning. For example, you can allow them to use assistive technology, such as text-to-speech or speech-to-text software, or to submit alternative forms of assessment, such as oral presentations or portfolios. You can also provide them with extra time, resources, or support if they need it.

6 Keep learning and improving

Learners with dyslexia are not a homogeneous group. They have diverse backgrounds, experiences, and goals. You can keep learning and improving your lecturing skills by seeking feedback from your learners, colleagues, or experts. You can also explore the latest research, best practices, and resources on dyslexia and inclusive teaching. By adjusting your lectures for learners with dyslexia, you can not only enhance their learning outcomes, but also enrich your own teaching practice.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?