Neurodiverse students and problem finding; ​creating opportunities to incorporate special interests and harness the power of hyperfocus ​

Date

2023-06

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DOI

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Publisher

AdvanceHE

Type

Conference

Peer reviewed

Abstract

Engineering laboratories provide ample opportunity for students to find solutions to problems; analogous to putting out fires, rather than preventing them. At University, we explore the more challenging skill of problem finding. This requires students to think proactively and requires curiosity, flexibility, reflectivity, perceptivity and the ability to withhold judgement. Interestingly, our neurodiverse engineering students are able to hyperfocus on activities that spark interest and can, given the right circumstances, demonstrate talent for problem finding. We present an engineering toolkit that incorporates practical, tangible strategies that create the necessary physical, sensory and emotional spaces to harness the power of hyperfocus.

Description

Keywords

Inclusivity, neurodiversity, Higher Education

Citation

Bassford, M., Lilliott, E. (2023) Neurodiverse students and problem finding; ​creating opportunities to incorporate special interests and harness the power of hyperfocus. AdvanceHE Teaching and Learning Conference 2023: Shaping the future of HE, Keele University, July 4-6 2023

Rights

Research Institute