When saying 'go read it again' won't work: Multisensory ideas for more inclusive teaching & learning.

For a progressively diverse student cohort whose members learn in a multiplicity of ways based on individuals' educational experiences, cognitive profiles and academic capabilities, medical (human and veterinary) studies may prove increasingly challenging. Traditional 'one size fits all' methods of instruction may no longer be appropriate nor allow students to reach their personal academic potential. More individually tailored approaches might prove more successful. Using ten case study 'vignettes', the author draws on experience of offering specialist study skills support to human and veterinary medical Higher Education students with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLDs), such as dyslexia, dyspraxia and ADHD, to illustrate how even very simple multisensory approaches, introduced within a one-to-one tutorial environment, can overcome learning barriers. The author suggests that knowledge about, training in and practice of multisensory techniques should be incorporated into mainstream teaching for all HE learners, specifically through the medium of individual tutorials and/or small group-working.