It is a bit of a minefield, but somewhere along the line
surely realism has to enter the equation. Support with
core skills, assistive technology etc. is fine for those
students who are bright enough to cope with the academic
demands of HE, but have specific problems that may have
hindered their education in the past. No amount of support
or technology will alter the fact that someone just hasn't
got the capability to compete in HE.
Dr Catriona Collins, one of the "gurus" of dyslexia support
in Scotland, has always sought to debunk the myth that all
dyslexics are tremendously creative and talented beings.
Many of them are, but there are equally many dyslexic
people out there who are of average or below average
intelligence. What we should be doing is enabling people
to attain the maximum levels of their own potential,but if
they do not have the potential to reach degree or
post-degree qualifications, then we have to be realistic
about their prospects. Letting students imagine that
assistive technology and tutor support will be magic wands
guaranteed to give them a degree is counterproductive for
them and the Universities.
--
Eleanor Drummond
Heriot-Watt University
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