An introduction to Dyslexia | Supporting learners to achieve their potential
Duration
Three-week online courseDevelop your skills and knowledge to recognise and support tertiary learners with dyslexia and other learning differences to achieve their potential.
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We apologise, this course is no longer available. Read our latest update about the future of Ako Aotearoa |
About the course
The webinar series provides for three hours of direct interaction with the facilitator.
In between the live sessions, it is expected that participants will also complete reflections about the learning, and trial new practices with their learners, for further discussion in forums and webinars.
Topics covered
The course covers:
- what dyslexia is
- the latest developments in neuro-diversity
- Dyscalculia and Irlen’s conditions
- how people exhibit a combination of these conditions
- how to work constructively with learners
- what the institution and individual should do.
Learning outcomes
At the end of this course participants will:
- understand how dyslexia fits within a wider spectrum of neuro-diverse conditions
- create resources and other written material that is sensitive to the needs of dyslexic learners
- understand and work with the positive features of dyslexia as well as the challenges to become a more inclusive educator.
Who is this course for?
This course is suitable for those with beginner to intermediate knowledge; and is targeted at tutors, learning support staff, education management staff, resource developers, assessors and moderators in a tertiary environment.
Participation in this webinar is an integral part of the Dyslexia Friendly Quality Mark for tertiary education institutions that is currently in development.
About the facilitator
Mike Styles
Mike has worked in the areas of adult literacy/numeracy and dyslexia for over 20 years. Over the past 12 years, he has specialised in dyslexia and related learning differences and has led research projects into dyslexia in adults in New Zealand. He has presented at conferences in the United Kingdom, Italy and Australia.
Mike was the lead in the establishment of the Dyslexia Friendly Quality Mark a quality standard for tertiary education institutions who wish to provide best practice for learners with dyslexia.
His book “Congratulations – You have dyslexia! Great minds think differently” was published in 2022.
Mike was recognised in the New Year Honours List for 2025 by the New Zealand Order of Merit in for his work with dyslexia.
Please read these Terms and Conditions before registering for events.
Professional learning and development (PLD) is central to maintaining teaching excellence, equity of learner outcomes, and future readiness in the tertiary sector.
In response to the evolving needs of New Zealand’s tertiary sector, Ako Aotearoa commissioned a strategic review of professional learning and development (PLD) across the sector. The resulting report offers a comprehensive overview of the most pressing PLD needs, barriers to participation, and future opportunities.
September 2025
Report prepared for Ako Aotearoa by Dr Linda Keesing-Styles and Jane Terrell
PDF, 153Kb