ADSHEN – The Northern Group
Membership of the group
The Northern Group was established in February 2006 and members come from an area stretching from Edinburgh in the north to Sheffield in the south. The group aims to meet twice a year for a full day’s meeting. Members have attended from:
University of Newcastle upon Tyne
University of Sheffield
New College Durham
York College
Leeds Metropolitan University
Northumbria University
Durham University
University of Teesside
Northern School of Contemporary Dance
York St John University
Sunderland University
Edinburgh University
There are many other members but we cover a wide geographical area and it is not always possible for people to travel long distances. Membership of the group is not dependent on being able to attend meetings and we try to circulate details of our meetings and discussions to all members in the north.
News
In early September we braved the wind and rain in Sunderland …and it was worth it! Sue Severs gave a very interesting account of how she and Marge used Brain Gym with groups of students and the benefits they had found, not to mention how much the students enjoyed the sessions. There was much discussion and lively interest in the current position of SFE and how this impacted on delays with DSA funding particularly.
A well attended meeting was held at Durham University in February. Juliet and Claire Jamieson gave an interesting and well presented talk on ‘Managing Aspergers Syndrome at College or University’ following which were interesting questions and discussion and examples of people’s own experiences and approach to this ever increasing area of specific learning difficulties in HE. There was also an interesting sharing of experiences in relation SFE….and much common ground!
The next meeting will be held at Leeds Metropolitan University on September 9th and Pat Francis will be presenting her very hands on workshop – ‘Inspiring art and design students to write’ . Please email s.falshaw@leedsmet.ac.uk if you are interested in coming.
Previous Discussion Topics
Recent topics discussed have included IT Training, working with dyspraxic and dyscalculic students, coping with waiting lists, pay levels and re-grading.
Professional Development
• Members from the University of Sheffield introduced the online study skill support materials that they were producing for HE students. They presented the thinking behind the material and highlighted some the difficulties in working in a new field with professionals from another area. This project was developed with an Institutional Learning and Teaching Grant and was the result of a successful bid. The materials can now be accessed at http://dyslexstudyskills.group.shef.ac.uk
Future Developments
We welcome all members working in the north. We are particularly keen for members to share their knowledge and skills to enhance our professional development.
You can contact the Northern Group via Sandra Falshaw at S.Falshaw@leedsmet.ac.uk