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Practical help for digital teaching
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Contributing author: Christina Eloisa Masae Malo le soifua manuia. O lo’u igoa o Christina Eloisa MasaeO le nu’u o lo’u tamā o Paia ma Safotu i Gafaifomauga i Savai’i. O le nu’u o lo’u tinā o Saleilua i Falealili i Upolu. O lo’u galuega o le Pacific Learning Advisor. My role is to support all …
Contributing author: Hana Hohapata, Kaiarahi Ako, Academic Centre I manaaki HoS and academic kaimahi to integrate mātauranga Māori into programmes, teaching, and learning. I also develop and oversee our mātauranga resource kete, Ako Whakatere in Canvas and partner with schools to integrate Te Mana Akoranga Tiriti principles into new programmes. Kia tuhonohono tatou: Let’s connect! Inspired …
What is it? Dyspraxia affects coordination and movement planning, but it can also impact perception, language, memory, and organisation. Students may appear clumsy or struggle with tasks that require planning. How can I identify it? You might notice students: How can I support this student? How can other students support? Hints and Tips For more …
What is it? Tourette Syndrome is a neurological condition characterised by involuntary movements and vocalisations called tics. The severity and type of tics vary and do not affect intelligence. How can I identify it? You might notice students: How can I support this student? How can other students support? Hints and Tips For more in …
What is it? Executive Function Disorder (EFD) affects planning, organisation, time management, and task completion. Students may struggle to start tasks, remember steps, or manage long-term projects, even though they understand the content. How can I identify it? You might notice students: How can I support this student? How can other students support? Hints and …
What is it? Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) occurs when the brain has difficulty receiving and responding to sensory information. Students may be over- or under-sensitive to sounds, lights, touch, taste, or movement, which then impacts central nervous system function. This can influence regulation, focus and participation in the learning environment. How can I identify it? …
What is it? Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition affecting social communication, behaviour, and sensory processing. Students may have strong abilities in some areas but find social interaction, changes in routine, or sensory input challenging. The Te Reo word for Autism is Takiwātanga; the meaning of which is ‘in their own time and …
What is it? Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) are difficulties with processing information in particular areas, often including reading, writing, listening, or expressing ideas verbally. Students may struggle to understand language, follow instructions, or communicate effectively, even though their intelligence is average or above. How can I identify it? You might notice students: How can I …
What is ADHD? ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It affects how the brain manages attention, planning, and self-control — this is called executive function. In Te Reo ADHD is called Aroreretini which translates to ’attention goes to many things’. ADHD impacts how a person: ADHD is not about being lazy or “naughty.” It’s …
What is it? Dyscalculia is a learning difficulty affecting maths and number processing. Students may struggle with calculations, understanding quantities, or recognising patterns. How can I identify it? You might notice students: How can I support this student? How can other students support? Hints and Tips For more in the Neurodiversity Series What is Neurodiversity? …
What is it? Dysgraphia is a learning difficulty affecting writing skills. Students may struggle with spelling, handwriting, and organising letters, words, or numbers on a page. How can I identify it? You might notice students: How can I support this student? How can other students support? Hints and Tips For more in the Neurodiversity Series …
Neurodiverse learners face different challenges. Here’s a summary of the main profiles you might encounter: Dyslexia: A learning difficulty that affects reading, spelling, and processing written information. Intelligence is not affected, but learners may struggle with letters and words. Dysgraphia: A difficulty with writing, spelling, and organising letters, numbers, and sentences. Handwriting can be challenging …
What is it? Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that mainly affects reading, spelling, and processing written information. It does not mean the student is less intelligent — it simply means their brain processes written language differently. How can I identify it? You might notice students: How can I support this student? How can other students …
Neurodiversity is a term that defines the natural differences in how people think, learn, and process information.Instead of seeing conditions like dyslexia or autism as problems, neurodiversity recognises them as variations in the way brains work. Forms of Neurodiversity Applied Neurodiversity These are differences people are born with that affect how they use certain skills, …
