Hello Kathy.
1.- Speel checker: We have had the same cases here with regards courses in
biochemistry. Therea are two alternatives, purchase a specific spell checker
or for the student/department to work on a list of terms/words that are more
likely to produce difficulties in spelling to be with the student in the
exams. So far departments are more inclined to use the list option.
2.- The appropriatemness of the use of any of the above (speelcheker or
list)
In my view, unless departments are happy to provide an alternative method of
assessment (viva. an essay), a time constrained exam requires a kind of
support mechanis so the student could concentrate on the content of the
course rather on the form. A student could spent a good 15 minutes in
remembering the correct spelling of a word, which defets the purpose of
extra time.
Hope this helps, Andy.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Katy Mann" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, March 02, 2004 5:23 PM
Subject: Dyslexia/Spellcheckers/Exams
> I'm hoping that someone out there can give some pointers on this.
> At Westminster, in exams, students with Dyslexia can claim extra
> time and the use of a computer with spellcheckers.
>
> This has raised issues for students on Integrated Health courses
> who do Science and botany based subjects. Does anyone have any
> experience ( perhaps with medical students?) about the
> appropriateness of the provision of specialist spellcheckers given the
> subject matter.
>
> Lecturers are looking into the issue, but at the moment the general
> feeling it a lot of the terminology in things like botany can be very
> similar as it has the same latin root and the provision of a
> spellchecker is not appropriate as students have to know the correct
> terms.
>
> Hope this makes sense. Any thoughts?
>
> Thanks
>
> Katy
>
>
>
>
> Katy Mann
> Disability Adviser, West End
> University of Westminster
> CCPD
> 72 Great Portland Street
> London W1W 7UW
> Tel/Minicom:(020) 7915 5456
> Fax: (020)7911 5162
>
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