Case study 4: Glen

Scenario

Glen has spelling difficulties caused by his dyslexia. The first draft of the literature review is riddled with mistakes. It is the first piece of his writing you have seen. How would you give feedback?

Suggested actions

• Talk with the Disability Service about the assessment of support requirements, if one has already taken place. Find out whether spelling is the main issue
• Ensure that Glen has his work proof-read before it is given to you. The Disability Service will advise the researcher on where and how to get their work proof-read
• Give feedback on the structure, content and ideas, giving credit to the student for what is good. A researcher with dyslexia which affects written language may lack confidence in their academic writing ability. . Feedback which affirms the researcher and constructively advises on where improvement is needed can be crucial to a researcher's completion
• Give feedback in clear and unambiguous language so that Glen knows how he can improve his work
• Avoid focusing all your attention on the spelling. It is not a reflection of the researcher's competence, knowledge and research skills.