The Reviewing Games on SpLDs

According to the UK Department for Education Working Group in 2005, what does "SpLDs" stand for?

• Specific Learning Differences

• Specific Learning Difficulties

• Specific Learning Disabilities

• Specific Learning Dimensions

Answer explanation

Specific Learning Differences (SpLDs):

•Umbrella term proposed by the UK Department for Education Working Group in 2005.

•Incorporates a range of different learning disabilities due to their overlapping nature.

•Equality Act 2010 – disabilities are protected characteristics and HEIs have legal obligations.

More info? https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/assets/university/international-education-institute/documents/postgraduate/jennifer-cowell-inclusive-learning-splds-in-eap.pptx

Annually 45,000 new entrants to UK HEIs report having at least one disability, SpLDs being the most common (QS, 2019). This does not include those diagnosed once HE studies have commenced.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The statement is true because 45,000 new entrants to UK HEIs annually report having at least one disability, with SpLDs being the most common, as per QS, 2019.

More info? https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-8716/CBP-8716.pdf

As of 2019, what is the estimated proportion of UK HE students with dyslexia?

• 2%

• 5%

• 10%

• 15%

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 5% as of 2019, which is the estimated proportion of UK HE students with dyslexia.

More info? https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyslexia

1.5 million people in the UK have a learning disability (Public Health England, 2016 & Office for National Statistics, 2019).

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The statement is true because according to Public Health England and the Office for National Statistics, 1.5 million people in the UK have a learning disability.

More info? https://www.mencap.org.uk/learning-disability-explained/research-and-statistics/how-common-learning-disability

Between 33% and 50% of those with dyslexia also have visual stress (British Dyslexia Association, n.d.).

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The correct answer is True because between 33% and 50% of those with dyslexia also have visual stress according to the British Dyslexia Association.

More info? https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyslexia/neurodiversity-and-co-occurring-differences/visual-difficulties

1 in 10 students require additional support provisions including for SpLDs (Office for Students, 2019).

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The correct answer is True because 1 in 10 students require additional support provisions including for SpLDs according to the Office for Students, 2019.

More info? https://www.officeforstudents.org.uk/media/a8152716-870b-47f2-8045-fc30e8e599e5/review-of-support-for-disabled-students-in-higher-education-in-england.pdf

Which of the following is a common adjustment made for students with SpLDs in UK higher education institutions?

• Reduced course load

• Extended time for exams

• Priority registration for classes

• All of the above

Answer explanation

All of the above options are common adjustments made for students with SpLDs in UK higher education institutions.

More info? https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2023/04/10/what-are-reasonable-adjustments-and-how-do-they-help-disabled-pupils-at-school/

There are 195 countries in the world, each with its own culture. Cultural views on SpLDs are complex, with influences from different factors including: general awareness, government policies, teacher training, historical influences, teacher training, availability of assessments and interventions (Mather, White & Youman, 2020). Unfortunately, some cultures stigmatise SpLDs and this can dissuade students from seeking diagnosis or assistance at a UK university. Inclusive learning can help.

• Agree

• Disagree

Answer explanation

There is no absolute right or wrong answer to this question! However, we will discuss further why and how they are called 'slow learners' in Indonesia, but referred to as 'SpLDs' in the UK. Stay tuned for the next session after the coffee break!

According to Dr Binu P.M. in his book, it is estimated that there are 5-15% of schoolchildren suffering from scholastic backwardness or slow-learning difficulties.

• Myth

• Fact

Answer explanation

The correct answer is 'Fact' because Dr Binu P.M. estimates that 5-15% of schoolchildren suffer from scholastic backwardness or slow-learning difficulties, making it a factual statement.

More info?

Binu, P. M. (2021). Slow Learners in the English Classroom. Notion Press.

According to a 2017 report by the Department of Education and Culture in Kutai Kartanegara, East Kalimantan, Indonesia, there were at least three slow learners in a classroom with 30-45 students failing classes and even being dropouts. Nevertheless, most parents, teachers, institutions were unaware because slow learners look as healthy as ordinary children. They are not different in appearance and can function normally in most learning situations. It is only through good observation and proper assessment that educators can identify them.

• Myth

• Fact

Answer explanation

The correct choice is 'Fact' because the statement is supported by evidence from a report by the Department of Education and Culture in Kutai Kartanegara, East Kalimantan, Indonesia.

More info?

https://repository.unmul.ac.id/bitstream/handle/123456789/1300/file_1021900029.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y