A Qualitative Investigation into the Experiences of Students with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD/Dyspraxia) in Higher Education
2024

Understanding the Experiences of Students with Developmental Coordination Disorder in Higher Education

Sample size: 10 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Gentle Judith, Ivanova Mirela, Martel Marie, Glover Scott, Hosein Anesa

Primary Institution: University of Surrey

Hypothesis

Not much will have changed for students with DCD since previous investigations.

Conclusion

The study highlights the need for improved awareness and tailored support for students with DCD in higher education.

Supporting Evidence

  • Students reported a lack of awareness of DCD among university staff.
  • Many students felt that the support provided was more tailored to dyslexia than to DCD.
  • Students developed coping strategies to manage their academic and everyday living tasks.

Takeaway

Students with DCD often struggle in university because they need special help that isn't always available, but they have found ways to cope.

Methodology

The study used semi-structured focus group interviews to gather qualitative data from students with DCD.

Potential Biases

Participants may have self-selected, leading to potential bias in the experiences shared.

Limitations

The sample size was small and limited to two UK universities, which may not represent the wider population.

Participant Demographics

{"gender":{"men":4,"women":6},"age_range":"21-38","mean_age":25.8}

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/ejihpe14120203

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