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Welcome to Learning Difficulties Australia

Learning Difficulties Australia is an association of teachers and other professionals dedicated to assisting students with learning difficulties through effective teaching practices based on scientific research, both in the classroom and through individualised instruction.
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The Science of Effective Reading Instruction: Theory and Practice

Perth | Saturday 31 July 2021   Not sure how a comprehensive reading approach taught explicitly looks like? Join Associate Professor Lorraine Hammond, Jared Bussell, Jordan O’Sullivan and Brooke Wardana for a day that focuses on both the Science of Reading and how to teach it.
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Join a community of professionals committed to effective teaching.

By becoming a member of LDA, you will have an opportunity to meet fellow teachers, speech-language pathologists, psychologists, researchers and other professionals working in the field of education who have a passion for improving student outcomes through effective instruction based on scientific research.

Members receive regular LDA publications via post, including the LDA Bulletin and the Australian Journal of Learning Difficulties as well as member discounts for participation in workshops, seminars and conferences.

You will also have access to the ‘Members Only’ areas of our website where you can obtain past issues of our publications as well as conference and seminar notes.

Latest Publication

Bulletin | Volume 56 | No 3, December 2024

Numbers, Awards, and Extraordinary Stories
This issue includes an AGM roundup, articles on maths and dyscalculia, stories from Consultants and past award recipients, and…
This issue includes an AGM roundup, articles on maths and dyscalculia, stories from Consultants and past award recipients, and a selection of articles "from the archives".
This issue includes an AGM roundup, articles on maths and dyscalculia, stories from Consultants and past award recipients, and a selection of articles "from the archives".
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Would you like access to the full publication? Become a member

Events

AI For Educators: Simplify, Create, and Engage with the Power of AI

This presentation will provide participants with a practical introduction to AI, focusing on both text-based tools and image generation….
This presentation will provide participants with a practical introduction to AI, focusing on both text-based tools and image generation. After a brief overview of what AI is and how it's being used in teaching, we’ll dive into actionable ways…
This presentation will provide participants with a practical introduction to AI, focusing on both text-based tools and image generation. After a brief overview of what AI is and how it's being used in teaching, we’ll dive into actionable ways the audience can utilise AI to in their day-to-day work, followed by creative applications of AI-generated imagery to enhance engagement with visual content. By the end, attendees will leave with a solid understanding of AI tools and practical strategies they can implement immediately to improve efficiency and creativity in their work. ** This webinar will be recorded and available for two weeks after the event** Date: Tuesday 25th February 2025 Time: 12 pm – 1:30 pm AEST (Melbourne Time) Cost: LDA Member: $40 LDA Student Member: $30 Non-Member: $60 About Chantelle Elbadaoui Chantelle is the Founder of Attain Education, specialising in online tutoring for primary-aged children. She is an experienced teacher and mentor with 14 years of experience in primary education across Australia and UK. She has previously presented on how modern teaching benefits from technology, including AI. She has also appeared as a guest on Podcasts such as Classroom to Tutor and Alpha Bites.
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The ADHD Puzzle: Strategies for Success

In this webinar, Andy will provide a comprehensive overview of ADHD and the often unexplored related behaviours in children,…
In this webinar, Andy will provide a comprehensive overview of ADHD and the often unexplored related behaviours in children, including how it may present differently in girls. He’ll present a broad selection of insights, practical tips and strategies for…
In this webinar, Andy will provide a comprehensive overview of ADHD and the often unexplored related behaviours in children, including how it may present differently in girls. He’ll present a broad selection of insights, practical tips and strategies for teachers and any professionals who regularly work with and support children. **This webinar will be recorded and available for two weeks after the event** Date: Monday 10th March 2025 Time: 7:30 pm – 9 pm AEST (Melbourne Time) Cost: Member: $40 Student Member: $30 Non Member: $60 About Andrew Hayes Andy Hayes brings a unique skill set and lived experience to his role as an ADHD coach, backed by a Master of Education from the University of Notre Dame and a Graduate Certificate in Instructional Leadership from the University of Melbourne. A qualified teacher and accredited ADHD coach from ADDCA in New York, Andy is also a former Director of Teaching and Learning at an all-boys private school in Perth. In addition to coaching children and adults, he also works with teachers and schools and is a sought-after presenter on ADHD.
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LDA Blog

2024 AGM – Save the Date!

***Please note the date change.*** This year's Annual General Meeting is open to all Standard and Consultant Members and will…
***Please note the date change.*** This year's Annual General Meeting is open to all Standard and Consultant Members and will be held via zoom at 1:30pm on Saturday 19th October 2024. An email with details on how to register your…
***Please note the date change.*** This year's Annual General Meeting is open to all Standard and Consultant Members and will be held via zoom at 1:30pm on Saturday 19th October 2024. An email with details on how to register your attendance will be sent out to eligible members soon.
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Insurance Info for Private Practitioners

It has been brought to our attention by a consultant member that LDA consultants and members operating a business…
It has been brought to our attention by a consultant member that LDA consultants and members operating a business from the home might not be aware of their disclosure obligations and coverage with regards to their home building and…
It has been brought to our attention by a consultant member that LDA consultants and members operating a business from the home might not be aware of their disclosure obligations and coverage with regards to their home building and contents insurance. We strongly encourage you to make your own enquiries of your broker or insurance provider. Please see additional information here.
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Effective Instruction

Teachers are a major force for improving society. To be successful, the teaching profession must base its instructional practices on the results of good quality empirical research, and this involves keeping abreast of scientific developments. One of LDA’s main goals is to keep bridging the gaps between evolving scientific knowledge and members of the teaching profession, including educational policy makers, teacher education faculties, and teachers at the chalkface. Visit the skill areas below to learn about initiatives, approaches and programs that are being used effectively in each area.

Reading
Reading is a complex skill and it is a relatively recent invention, as far as human timelines go. Unlike speaking and listening, humans aren’t predisposed to develop reading skills naturally.
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Spelling
Reading and spelling are closely linked, but also draw on different skills and processes. At the most basic level, spelling is a production task while reading is one of recognition.
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Writing
As with reading, writing is not a natural skill and therefore must be taught. Unfortunately, many teachers do not feel well prepared to teach writing.
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Numeracy
Numeracy is a concept that is referred to as the ability to make use of mathematical concepts adeptly in our daily lives.
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