My view would be to provide the student with extra reading time on top of
extra time for writting, plus some marking techniques that could take into
consideration spelling and gramatical problems. I asume that the student had
study skills support (and by this I mean real dyslexia tuition) With this we
tackle the following:
-slow reading/writting
-organisation of material in linear format
You will also minimise r the risk of plagiarism.
I would  look at the effects of dyslexia on the student psycho well being
(has he has anxieties?) If this is the case, i would make a case for an
alternative assessment. Hope this helps, Andy
----- Original Message -----
From: "Elaine Shillcock" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Friday, January 30, 2004 9:16 AM
Subject: Re: Reasonableness


> My gut feeling is that to allow the use of a disk would be to give him
> an unfair advantage.  Other students don't cut up their notes and paste
> them into an essay - they have to use them to write the essay.   He
> would have the advantage of probably taking in better, more well written
> (ie fuller sentences, rather than bullet pointed notes) and possibly
> more detail than other students.  He could also use search features etc.
>
> He already has the use of the PC, which will enable him to write his
> notes and still cut and paste under examination conditions.  I would be
> more tempted to allow paper notes and 25% extra time for the dyslexia as
> you said.  Could you also make an allowance for the severe exam anxiety
> (eg individual room, rest breaks if required, cup of tea and some tender
> loving care!!)
>
> Elaine Shillcock
> Head-Disability Support office
> The University of Manchester
> Oxford Road
> Manchester MP3 9PL
>
>
> Tel 0161-275-7512
> Email [log in to unmask]
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff.
> [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of patz
> Sent: 29 January 2004 23:28
> To: [log in to unmask]
> Subject: Reasonableness
>
>  Now that I am in 'writing to the list' mode, I thought I might as well
> carry on and ask about the other things bothering me. I have asked this
> one
> before but not managed to resolve it satisfactorily.
>
> I have a dyslexic student who is facing an Open Book exam next month.
> This
> means that students are given an aspect of the body to study, and then
> they
> go into a one hour exam armed with their notes and any other other
> materials
> they like, but not text books.
> They are then given the actual question they have to answer.
>
> The particular student reacts very badly under pressure, and receives
> 25%
> extra time. The problem we have is that although he is allowed to use a
> laptop, IS he allowed to bring a disk of notes and construct his essay
> using
> that?  From the point of view of his tutors, he could have an essay
> ready
> made on computer to use- but then he doesn't know beforehand what the
> question actually is. If he writes longhand he is battling doubly
> against
> time. If he can't use a disk, he argues that he is then having to work
> across different media turning paper notes into type.
>
> I can see that if he can cut & paste chunks of material to save typing
> time
> he can then spend more time trying to organise what he has. It is
> supposed
> to be a test of using appropriate information to answer a medical
> question
> within a time limit. It's not about writing or typing.... Before I get
> girded up for this, I'd really like to know what others think...
> Best wishes and thanks,
> Pat Costall. One more question coming up.
>