Source: Skills Group
As the education landscape continues to evolve, experts are urging tutors and educators to deepen their understanding of neurodiversity to achieve teaching excellence and better support the diverse needs of students.
Over 100 tutors from across the country recently participated in a special training forum on the subject hosted by Skills Group in Auckland.
The event provided a platform for educators to engage with experts, share insights, and explore practical strategies for supporting neurodivergent students whose brains are wired differently, affecting how they think, process information and behave.
Skills Group Head of Learner Support and Teacher Development Terresa Whimp says with conditions like ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and dyscalculia affecting an increasing number of students, it is vital that educators adopt strategies that recognise and address the unique challenges these students face.
During the forum, experts introduced the concept of neurodiversity as the natural variation in the way people’s brains function.
“Neurodivergent individuals process information in different ways. Conditions such as ADHD, dyslexia, and autism are examples of neurodivergence, and understanding these differences is key to providing better educational support,” Terresa says.
One major focus of the forum was helping educators understand the various cognitive challenges that neurodivergent learners may face.
“Key concepts like executive function which involves planning, organising, and decision-making, and processing speed, which affects how quickly information is absorbed and recalled, were discussed in-depth.
“Neurodivergent students often struggle with these areas, making it harder to stay organized, remember tasks, and complete assignments on time.”
The forum also provided practical strategies that educators can implement to better support neurodivergent students.
“A major takeaway was the importance of adopting a strengths-based approach. Tutors were encouraged to focus on what neurodivergent students can do, rather than their challenges. This approach helps to build confidence and foster a positive learning environment,” Terresa says.
Tutors were also reminded to plan for the variation in students’ capabilities and prior knowledge, and to establish a structured classroom environment that promotes focus and engagement.
“Some strategies discussed at the forum included: breaking tasks down into manageable steps, providing clear and direct instructions, and offering students multiple ways to access and engage with information. Neurodivergent learners often benefit from a predictable routine and clear expectations, which can reduce anxiety and improve learning outcomes.”
The forum also explored how to reduce cognitive load, or the mental effort required to process information. Educators were advised to minimise distractions in the classroom, simplify written content, and break down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable components.
“Using visual aids and tools such as checklists and timetables was also suggested to help neurodivergent learners stay organised and better manage their time.”
A major highlight of the forum was the discussion on assistive technologies, which can play a pivotal role in supporting neurodivergent learners.
“Tools like Immersive Reader, Speechify, Microsoft’s Dictate function, screen readers, text-to-speech apps, and browser extensions such as Helperbird are powerful resources that allow students to engage with text, improve reading comprehension, and manage written assignments.
The event concluded with a call to action for educators to continue developing their understanding of neurodiversity and integrate these strategies and tools into their teaching practices.
“The overarching message was clear: neurodiversity is not something to be ‘fixed’, but rather something to be embraced. With the right support and strategies, neurodivergent learners can succeed just as much as their neurotypical peers.”
By fostering an environment that supports and understands the diverse ways in which students learn, educators can unlock the full potential of every student, regardless of their neurological makeup.