An exploration of factors which influence university students’ decisions whether or not to be tested for dyslexia

Abstract

The decision to request an assessment for dyslexia whilst at university is often one of the most complex decisions a student has to make. It involves careful examination of the implications; balancing any perceived benefits, against actual or potential disadvantages. Despite this, very little is known about factors which influence students making this decision.

A two-phase exploratory qualitative approach was selected to identify how many university students consider being tested for dyslexia, how they proceed and reasons behind this. Phase 1 consisted of an online survey available to all students registered at one UK University. Data was obtained from 674 students at all stages of their educational journey, across 8 different faculties, including 533 on Undergraduate; 54 on Post-graduate taught and 85 on Post-graduate research programmes. Of these 310 students had considered being assessed and explained why they had chosen not to go ahead. In depth interviews with 6 of these students, and a further 5 who had been assessed then provided a greater understanding of the factors involved.

Results revealed a myriad of reasons, with some considered pivotal. Students had to have reached a tipping point before they were sufficiently motivated to seek an assessment. Reaching this point was largely determined by their academic self- concept and how well they perceived that they were doing. When students did acknowledge that they were struggling, often after prompts by others; whether or not they recognised dyslexia as a possible explanation was influenced by their understanding of the condition. This in turn was heavily influenced by how they saw it manifest in others. All of the students who had been assessed did so following a prompt by a member of academic staff.

There are clear implications for educational practice arising from this research, which need to be supported by policy change. These focus on the need to enhance understanding of dyslexia in both students and academic staff. Strategies to raise student awareness, alongside more in-depth staff development initiatives are proposed. There is also a need for future research to explore in detail factors influencing specific professional groups and postgraduate students.

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Identifiers

ORCID for Elizabeth Cluett: orcid.org/0000-0002-8707-5042

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