Lecturer perspectives on dyslexia within one Greek university: A pilot study

Abstract

Introduction: Dyslexia is a learning difficulty which affects people in different ways. During the last decades the number of students with dyslexia entering higher education increased steadily. Method: This paper reports a pilot study exploring the attitudes, views and experiences of faculty members at one small size Greek university regarding students with dyslexia. Data were collected through a three-part questionnaire focusing on academic staff knowledge of dyslexia, approaches towards effective tuition and attitudes towards dyslexic students. Results: Results indicated that lectures hold mainly positive attitudes and genuine interest for dyslexic students but they also have concerns about 'the fairness' of teaching and other accommodations for students with dyslexia. Discussion: Following the social model of disability, the paper moves to the direction of making teaching environments as inclusive as possible for students with 'hidden' disabilities. The present study can provide useful ideas about the improvement of provision for students with dyslexia in Greek higher education institutions.