Finding his learning style

The Open Polytechnic Library & Learning Centre provides students with a wide range of learning support, advice and resources. It is this support, and that of his lecturers, which has made all the difference for Cameron Wendelken in his study journey.

“I felt resentment throughout school; I was told by my teachers that I was thick and lazy. I went to every remedial reading class available, but I was teased for being a dummy,” says Cameron.

“I could beat every teacher in a game of chess, but I felt like I was a dumb guy, doomed to do manual tasks.”

Study support

Cameron, who is dyslexic, didn’t consider it possible for him to be able to do a degree, until technology became available that could support him in his study.

With the right tools, the Open Polytechnic Bachelor of Social Work student has excelled with a little help from the Library & Learning Centre. This help has included supplying printed course materials in a format compatible with a screen reader and arranging for the services of a reader/ writer to be  made available for Cameron.

“I have a computer system that I can talk to that writes for me. Basically this made it possible for me to do it in the first place.”

Finding his passion

It was a discussion with Diana Jackson, Cameron’s reader/ writer and mentor that helped him uncover what he was passionate about and what he really wanted to do with his life.

“My first dream would have been a pilot, but I realised this might be unrealistic. I reflected on my own life and past experiences and realised that I wanted to do something to help others. I started doing a psychology degree and then changed to social work, I believe that being a social worker would be more hands on and serve people best,” Cameron explains.

“I find I am the guy people come and speak to when something has gone wrong and they need someone to listen to them. Studying social work just seemed like a natural progression.”

Distance study best option

With four children and a demanding job, Christchurch-based Cameron says that studying by distance through the Open Polytechnic was the only way he could bend his study hours to fit in with the rest of his life.

“With my dyslexia, I find I am often listening but not absorbing all the information. I work much better when I can go through information in short bursts. For me going to a lecture would not be ideal. Open Polytechnic has given me flexibility and a  style of learning that opened the door to getting a tertiary qualification. I also think that if I was in a mainstream university, having to speak to a computer might disturb others,” he says.

Academic success

Cameron, who says he has been surprised by his academic success so far, says he believes his adult life experience has gone a long way in  contributing to his understanding of social work theory and practice.

“The marks I have achieved shocked me more than anybody. I always thought I would never be able to do it. One of the very first papers I did was really the first writing I had ever done. I handed in my paper and when the lecturer sent back really great feedback, it came as a pleasant surprise,” he says.

“It definitely did give me some confidence but I still feel a bit like a fish out of water at times.”

Library & Learning Centre

Although he still finds his studies challenging at times, Cameron says the help he receives from the Library & Learning Centre has made the journey more manageable.

“It just surprised me how willing they were to do their best to help me. They are awesome, they go above and beyond.”

The Library & Learning Centre aims to enhance the success of our learners by providing learning support all stages of their study.

They offer:

• one-on-one consultations
• online study resources
• guidance on writing and referencing
• help to search Library resources.
• They can also refer learners to specialist support.

The Library & Learning Centre works Polytechnic-wide ensure equal opportunities and access for all learners, irrespective of age, gender, socio-economic background, ethnicity or physical ability.