October is International Dyslexia Awareness Month, a time to celebrate the power of Dyslexic Thinking. New research, revealed by global charity Made By Dyslexia and Randstad Enterprise, tells us that Dyslexic Thinking is now vital for every job, in every sector, worldwide. With digital learning tools from Microsoft Education and resources to support Dyslexic Thinking, you can find what you need to build a more inclusive classroom where every student can thrive.
Dyslexia Awareness Month 2024 offers an opportunity to recognize the strengths that come with dyslexia and to empower those valuable skills in classrooms. Join us as we honor the unique strengths and power of Dyslexic Thinking.
Understanding Dyslexic Thinking
Of the more than 7 billion people on earth today, 1 in 5 are dyslexic. This genetic difference in an individual’s ability to learn and process information gives dyslexics a pattern of valuable strengths, referred to as Dyslexic Thinking skills. Dyslexic Thinking is an approach to problem solving, assessing information, and learning that involves:
- Pattern recognition
- Spatial reasoning
- Lateral thinking
- Interpersonal communication
Understanding how to nurture and empower Dyslexic Thinking is fundamental to the fabric of the future.
Rethinking human intelligence
Studies show that dyslexic thinkers are highly sought after by employers, especially as we enter the fifth Industrial Revolution, a phase of industrialization where humans can use AI to create more sustainable, human-centric solutions. Dyslexics excel in creative thinking, complex problem solving, and effective communication, making them ideal contributors in this era.
Made By Dyslexia have made it their mission to teach the world the brilliance of Dyslexic Thinking and to empower it in every home, every school, and every workplace. Their ground-breaking report, “Intelligence 5.0: A new school of thought rethinking the intelligence needed in Industry 5.0,”concludes that today’s world needs a different kind of intelligence focused on human skills such as complex problem solving, adaptability, resilience, communication, and creative thinking. These are skills dyslexics naturally possess but aren’t measured by traditional education and workplace tests which instead focus on dyslexic challenges.
In this report, Made By Dyslexia advocates for a shift in how we define intelligence. This new paradigm, Intelligence 5.0, emphasizes skills frequently found in dyslexic thinkers, like leadership, creativity, and problem-solving, which are increasingly in demand in the modern workplace.
We all need to rethink the human intelligence needed in the 5.0 world. Creativity, problem-solving, and communication are the most sought-after skills in every job, in every sector, worldwide. And these skills are inherent to dyslexics.
Kate Griggs, Founder & CEO, Made By Dyslexia
Key findings from the report
Dyslexics have the intelligence the world now needs. The headline research from the report reveals that one of the world’s largest recruitment firms, Randstad Enterprise, finds that Dyslexic Thinking skills are the most in-demand skills in every job, across all sectors, globally. Yet, despite this, outdated views on intelligence remain.
In the same report, global research with YouGov found that although 73% of people recognize that problem-solving is a good indicator of intelligence, nearly half still believe that accuracy of reading, spelling, punctuation, and grammar are also key signifiers of intelligence. Traditional assessments typically disadvantage dyslexic thinkers, whose strengths areas aren’t well-measured by standardized tests.
Interestingly, just 6% of global respondents believed that scoring highly in exams was the best indicator of intelligence, with only 5% believing high scores on psychometric tests are a strong indication of intelligence.
In this report, Made By Dyslexia sets out four key steps that schools and workplaces can take to better recognize and amplify Dyslexic Thinking skills.
- Define dyslexia as a valuable skill.
- Offer support and adjustments so Dyslexic Thinking can thrive.
- Tailor testing and exams (or recruitment processes) for Dyslexic Thinking.
- Offer support and community through employee resource groups (ERGs) in the workplace.
Intelligence 5.0 calls for a new way of thinking that prioritizes human skills, especially those inherent in Dyslexic Thinking. By recognizing and empowering these abilities, we can create a more inclusive, equitable, and innovative future, one where dyslexic thinkers are celebrated and empowered to lead the way.
Tools and resources to support and celebrate Dyslexic Thinking
Microsoft digital learning tools
Educators and families can support the unique needs of dyslexic thinkers with Microsoft’s digital learning tools. These tools, integrated into familiar Microsoft Education products, offer a range of benefits, including:
Build foundational skills
Explore Learning Accelerators- Personalized practice: Tools like Reading Coach and Math Assistant in OneNote help students develop essential skills in reading, writing, and math through tailored practice and feedback. These tools empower students to practice independently while helping increase engagement and confidence.
- Real-time feedback: Educators can monitor student progress and offer personalized support with Education Insights. This tool provides valuable data and analytics to help educators make data-informed decisions to support each student’s unique abilities.
- Accessibility features: Tools like Immersive Reader and Dictation are specifically designed to support students with learning differences, creating an inclusive environment where all students can thrive.
Learn more and get started with tools to support Dyslexic Thinking using these handy quick guide PDFs:
- Digital tools for dyslexia quick guide
- Reading Coach with AI stories quick guide
- Reading Coach in Immersive Reader quick guide
- Immersive Reader quick guide
- Speech to Text (Dictate) quick guide
In addition, watch the video to discover how the dynamic partnership between Microsoft and The Prince Couple’s Foundation in Sweden offers non-stigmatizing technologies to help all students reach their full potential in school and beyond.
Dyslexia training, in partnership with Made By Dyslexia
Learning differences call for different teaching approaches. In partnership with Microsoft, Made By Dyslexia offers a series of free, transformative modules on Microsoft Learn that help educators explore how to support and celebrate Dyslexic Thinking in their classrooms. These training courses, led by expert educators from schools known for their innovative dyslexic strategies, are designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to support dyslexic thinkers:
- Dyslexia Awareness, Parts 1 and 2: Learn how to spot, support, and empower every dyslexic learner with essential strategies to identify and nurture their strengths.
- Dyslexia Teaching, Parts 1, 2, and 3: Deepen your understanding of dyslexia with specialist strategies showing you what to teach, why it helps, and how to apply skills and proven approaches to support dyslexic learners in your classroom.
- Dyslexia and technology: Explore the challenges dyslexic learners face and discover technology tools from Microsoft to support them.
- Empower Dyslexic Thinking in Schools: Learn about the seven archetypes of Dyslexic Thinking in kids with practical tips and instructional guidance.
For Dyslexia Awareness Month 2024, join us in celebrating the unique strengths of Dyslexic Thinking. Create inclusive classrooms where every student can thrive and explore the ways to support dyslexic learners in your classroom with help from Microsoft and Made By Dyslexia.
