Supporting dyslexic trainees in classroom and workplace environments

Dyslexia is a real, but often hidden, issue among the farming community. Some researchers estimate that one in five rural residents in New Zealand may be affected by the condition, which usually manifests itself in reading, spelling and arithmetic problems. The Primary ITO [industry training organisation] has taken steps to support those learners. This project built on that work by investigating: (1) how trainees with dyslexia can be supported in workplaces and classrooms; and (2) how they can be assisted with the transition between these two environments.

Trainees, tutors, training advisers and employers were interviewed and the data analysed to explore: the challenges of dyslexia; the impact of dyslexia on the trainee's learning; and strategies to support the dyslexic trainee in their learning. The two main outputs from this project are a guide for trainees, tutors, training advisers and employers outlining strategies to improve learning outcomes for trainees with dyslexia. And, a proposed 'wraparound' support model to guide decision-making about good practice interventions which effectively support trainees with dyslexia. The report concludes with recommendations for future work including the development of targeted learning and teaching resources and the provision of more professional development workshops for practitioners.

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