We were using yellow labels and used the student number on them so they could not be used on a 'black market'.   We too were asked to trial essay cover sheets instead, which are anonymised, and give a brief description of the student's difficulties, and directs markers to advice on how to mark the work of students with dyslexia.  Feedback has been mixed.  Personally I dislike using labels or cover sheets.  The cover sheets perpetuate a deficit model because they list the students' difficulties.    Another issue for me is that Tutors should be aware of dyslexia and specific learning difficulties as part of their training and be mindful when marking -  so are labels/essay covers, which highlight a 'difference' for the student, strictly necessary?  Markers are reminded on the cover sheets to provide constructive feedback on coursework, but they should be doing that anyway for all students.  Some students (and staff) think that the essay covers mean the work should be marked leniently, or not penalised for spelling and grammatical errors.  When marking, it actually depends on what the criteria is for a successful piece of work.  If a test of spelling and grammar is part of the purpose of the assessment, then errors will be penalised.  Where it is not, it will not be. 
 
I will be interested to see what others about the issue. 
 
Chris
 

From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Pauline McInnes
Sent: 14 May 2008 18:25
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Stickers for dyslexic students

Dear All,

Here at Roehampton we want to start flagging the work of dyslexic students and our learning and teaching committee have suggested the use of stickers.  Can anyone tell me how they operate this system?  That is, assuming we as Disability Services give out these stickers to students, how do we stop a ‘black market trade’ in stickers cropping up?  That is, how do we know that only dyslexic students will use them?

 

Any ideas on how people police a sticker system would be gratefully received.  By the way, if any of you know how to flag the work of dyslexic students when the piece of work is submitted electronically that would also be useful.

 

Regards

Pauline

 

 

Head of Disability Services

Student Services

Roehampton University

Roehampton Lane

London

SW15 5PJ

Tel: 020 8392 3366

 

 


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