Neurodiversity & Inclusion Study Skills Training Course – Dyslexia

Neurodiversity & Inclusion Study Skills Training Course – Dyslexia

Professional Development for Study Skills Tutors through interactive webinars, collaborative learning & toolkit with practical resources

This course offers a comprehensive exploration of dyslexia and its impact on adult learners in Further and Higher Education, and in the workplace. Designed for educators, support staff, and learning professionals, it provides practical strategies and tools to foster inclusive, empowering learning environments.

Through four structured modules and a one-to-one tutorial, participants will gain a deep understanding of the key features of dyslexia and its associated challenges, including memory weaknesses, anxiety, and co-occurring difficulties. The course emphasizes the development of literacy and numeracy skills, while also focusing on building rapport, enhancing engagement, and supporting learners in developing effective study habits.

Each module combines theoretical insights with hands-on tasks, quizzes, and reflective activities to reinforce learning and encourage practical application. By the end of the course, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and confidence to support adult learners with dyslexia more effectively and empathetically.

  • Build Essential Skills: Understand dyslexia and literacy difficulties—key for careers in education and training.
  • Apply Learning in your working life: Bridge theory and practice in your current role and support you in future roles
  • Boost Employability: Gain transferable skills like communication, adaptability, and inclusive practice.
  • Expert Support & Networking: Learn from experienced tutors and connect with peers to grow your professional network.
  • Gain confidence in your approach, apply best practice and create your personalised tool kit to help students during your study skills role.

Module Overview

An outline of the course structure

Module 1

Suggested learning time: 3 – 5 hours

Understanding dyslexia in Further and Higher educational environments.

During this module, you will learn about the cognitive and learning characteristics of dyslexia, in particular, how dyslexia affects learners and impacts their transition from college to university to employment. We will cover strengths and weaknesses associated with dyslexia and the types of support available, both from the learning environment and key persons. Focus will fall on activities for educators to create dyslexia-friendly learning environments, differentiated instruction and real-life case studies and reflections will be considered as this module will form the basis for being a reflective practitioner.

Module 2

Suggested learning time: 2 – 3 hours

Building, sustaining and enhancing rapport and engagement.

In this module, you will learn about the role of Study Skills tutors and specialist support. One main focus will be the Importance of rapport and engagement in overcoming barriers. This will encourage you to think of the emotional and social impact on learners. We will discuss the principles of trust, empathy and respect, active listening and non-verbal communication, in order to create a safe and supportive learning environment, encouraging you to develop personalised interactions. We will consider how to sustain engagement through inclusive and adaptive teaching practices, mechanisms for encouraging autonomy and Self-advocacy, utilising feedback for continuous improvement, as well as collaborative goal setting and managing setbacks, maintaining motivation to enhance learner confidence, participation, and motivation.

Module 3

Suggested learning time: 3 – 5 hours

Developing effective study skills- Part 1: Reading & Writing.

This module introduces essential academic study skills and functional literacy techniques to enhance a learner’s success in further & higher education. You will begin to explore the study skills ‘toolbox’ and learn effective reading strategies such as skimming, scanning, and the SQ3R method (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review), alongside annotating texts and critical reading to identify arguments, evidence, and bias. Note-taking methods, including the Cornell Method, mind mapping, and digital tools (AT), will be covered to support comprehension and retention. The module also focuses on understanding assignment briefs, planning and structuring academic writing, building coherent paragraphs, and using transitions effectively. You’ll address common grammar and punctuation pitfalls, learn the basics of referencing and citation to avoid plagiarism, and apply editing and proofreading strategies. By the end, you’ll be equipped to help learners think critically, read actively, and write with clarity and academic integrity.

Module 4

Suggested learning time: 3 – 5 hours

Developing effective study skills- Part 2: Spelling & Exam revision.

This module will equip you with the knowledge and tools to support dyslexic learners in overcoming spelling challenges and preparing effectively for exams. We will continue to build your bank of resources to cover challenges learners face, such as common spelling difficulties linked to phonological awareness and memory, and introduce multisensory techniques colour coding, chunking, and mnemonics. We will explore assistive technologies like spell checkers and dyslexia-friendly apps, and learn how to guide students in developing personalised, inclusive revision plans. The module also addresses exam formats, active revision strategies like mind mapping, planners and flashcards, and methods for managing time and exam stress, empowering educators to foster confident, well-prepared learners

1-1 Tutorial

Time: 1 Hour

1 – 1 tutorial with Louise Campbell.

This 1-1 tutorial provides an opportunity for focused, personalised engagement with the course leader to explore and deepen understanding of inclusive teaching practices, particularly in relation to dyslexia and neurodiversity in Further and Higher Education. Drawing on the leader’s expertise in rapport building, engagement strategies, and study skills development, the session will support reflective dialogue, pedagogical inquiry, and professional growth.

You will be encouraged to reflect on your professional practices and experiences with neurodiverse learners. We will discuss personalised strategies and consider how inclusive practice can be embedded and enhanced across disciplines. You will be encouraged to apply insights from the study skills modules to help support and improve the academic experience for learners.

This dynamic and supportive Study Skills course, is designed and delivered by Louise Campbell – an award-winning educator (Pearson Education Award, 2013), a qualified teacher, specialist dyslexia tutor in supporting learners with dyslexia and co-occurring conditions, and diagnostic assessor with over 15 years in education.

Louise brings a wealth of expertise in helping Post 16 learners thrive. Louise will help boost your confidence and bring the student voice and lived experience to each module. This course will equip you with the tools to work smarter, improve learners’ study habits and enhance academic performance with tried and tested techniques. Louise has a deep understanding of inclusive education and learner support, and she is passionate about empowering students through personalised learning strategies.

iDiversity Consulting will be closed from 15:30 on Monday 5th January and will re-open at 9am on Tuesday 6th due to Icy conditions. Please email info@idiversityconsulting.co.uk for assistance and our team will be happy to help as soon as we return to the office.