Reading

Reading at university is complex and challenging for most students, even advanced readers. However, if you have specific reading difficulties, such as dyslexia, there are many tools available to assist you. According to The Australian Dyslexia association, students with reading difficulties vary widely in their academic strengths and weaknesses so it is vital to tailor study strategies to your own needs.

Remember that reading skills can be improved throughout life. Many people have had highly successful careers despite their reading difficulties. If you continue to expose yourself to text, your reading will continue to improve.

Do you experience any of the following difficulties in your reading? Click on links below to reveal specific advice.

    • Draft your writing with dictation software. Microsoft Office supplies speech to text converters for most office programmes, and Narrator, which can be used with a wide range of applications, including web pages.
    • Learn touch typing. You may find that you are able to learn finger positions on a keyboard more easily than writing letter shapes.
    • Create audio notes using a voice recorder.

    • Use text to speech software to listen and read the page at the same time.
    • Minimise tracking difficulties by placing a ruler under the text or using a lined overlay. Programs are also available to highlight the line currently being read. For example, Immersive Reader view in Microsoft Word can do this for you.

    • Early in semester, find out whether your exams will be handwritten, and ask for alternatives. For example, you can arrange to use a keyboard or dictation software for handwritten exams.
    • Use text to speech software if this difficulty causes you to misunderstand text.
    • Learn touch typing.

    • Use spell-checking and editing features to check grammar and tone. Set it to your preferred version of English. Australian English is the most suitable for university in this country.
    • Add terms from your discipline into the dictionary of the software you are using.
    • Use dictation software.
    • Learn touch typing.
    • Ask someone outside of your discipline to read your work through for you. Spelling and grammar checkers can often make mistakes.
    • You may be eligible for assistance through Student Equity and Disability Services (SEDS)  where you can learn more about different types of assistive technologies to assist with your studies.

    • Choose a programme that enables you to modify the appearance of text. Some applications include an Immersive Reader view allowing you to change background colours, font and spacing.  Chrome allows add-ins designed for people with dyslexia.
    • When reading hard copy or printed text, experiment with different colours of transparent plastic sheeting over the writing. A magnifier can also be used to increase the size of the font. A lined plastic sheet can assist with tracking.

    • Be reassured that many people with reading difficulties get tired quickly when reading.
    • Organise more frequent, shorter reading sessions.
    • Try videos and audio files on the same topic but at a simpler level. This will familiarise you with the topic and help you to predict reading content more easily.
    • Alternate reading with ‘text to speech’ listening.
    • Study diagrams and charts before you read to familiarise yourself.

    • Arrange assistance with high-stakes activities such as exams and assignments.  Reach out to Student Equity and Disability Services (SEDS) in advance to make specific arrangements.
    • Prepare and organise your materials as much as you can by taking good notes and using effective study techniques.