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Explore effective strategies for working with dyscalculic learners.

Course outline

Dyscalculia is sometimes referred to as the ‘maths version of dyslexia’, yet the differences between the two are vast. Dyscalculia is a type of neurodiversity that impacts how children process magnitude, numbers, and eventually arithmetic problems. This can make school mathematics deeply unpleasant, in fact often an assault on their sense of self-worth.

By the time these children become adults, these negative experiences and ongoing difficulties have often consolidated into deep beliefs about their own mathematical inadequacy. Imagine if we could make a difference to their numeracy skills and beliefs about themselves!

We can make a huge difference. Although the dyscalculia landscape is yet to be fully mapped, and the adult landscape even more so, we can map out some established practices to support adult learners with dyscalculia. In this workshop we will explore what dyscalculia is, what the research has discovered, and, most importantly, how we might work successfully with adults with dyscalculia.

This course includes two online workshops, and an optional, four-week, facilitated support module. The module takes a minimum of 1-2 hours of engagement per week.

Topics covered

• How is dyscalculia conceptualised and diagnosed?
• What does the research reveal about how dyscalculia interferes with numeracy development?
• What strategies can be employed to work with dyscalculic adults?

About the facilitator

Dr Damon Whitten is a specialist provider of professional development to the tertiary sector, focusing on adult literacy and numeracy. His emphasis is on generating and connecting research to real-world contexts and using the results to develop effective teaching and learning approaches. Damon’s research and practice is focused toward supporting struggling learners by reengaging them with their dreams, passions and potentials through effective learning experiences.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this course you will be able to:

• describe what dyscalculia is
• understand the key difficulties dyscalculic adults have with numeracy
• apply strategies in your teaching practice to support dyscalculic adults
• use a range of resources in a targeted and contextualised way to support and develop learners' skills.

Who is this course for?

This course is for anyone who works with adult learners and would like to learn how to support them better.

Ako Aotearoa badges

Participants can earn Ako digital badges as evidence of participation and completion of course requirements.

Please read these Terms and Conditions before you register.