Mike - Dyslexia and Learning Support Geelong

About Mike

Mike can assist students in high school and tertiary education with a range of needs including developing literacy skills, reading comprehension, essay writing skills and exam techniques. He also has experience supporting year 6-10 students in all areas of the Maths curriculum and also supporting students through VCE Foundation and Further Maths.

Mike is a UK qualified teacher with over 18 years of experience in the secondary and post-16/ adult education sector teaching psychology, history. science and humanities. He has worked in both the UK system and, internationally, in the International Baccalaureate MYP (secondary) and Diploma Program (VCE equivalent) systems.

Mike later completed a certificate in counselling in 2013 and then in 2015/ 16 studied for a Level 5 qualification in supporting learners with Dyslexia, through Dyslexia Action in the UK, exploring areas such as study skills and the use of technology.

Prior to teaching, Mike studied and worked in the IT field and later combined his teaching skills with studies in Online and Distance Education. He believes that a blended learning approach taking advantage of instruction and student focused research and learning using mixed media (with Google docs, for example) is an important part of the learning experience.

His qualifications include: BA Hons Psychology, University of Newcastle, UK 1986; PGCE (PCET) Postgraduate Cert. in Education, University of East London 2005; PGCert in Integrative Counselling, London Metropolitan University UK 2013; PGCert in Online and Distance Education with the Open University UK 2014 and Level 5 (postgraduate certificate) award in Supporting Adults with Dyslexia and Co-occurring Difficulties, Dyslexia Action 2015/16.

Testimonials

"Mike at Positive Learners has been an absolute game-changer for our son as he started senior school. We believe Mike’s expertise and dedication in supporting students navigating senior school and beyond are unparalleled.

Mike's ability to assist students in developing reading skills and comprehension, refining essay writing, and mastering challenging areas in mathematics is truly impressive. More recently, we’ve asked Mike to focus on mathematics and our son’s confidence has grown significantly, with school grades improving to all new highs. Mike’s multi-faceted approach to education, blending traditional instruction with modern tools creates a dynamic and effective learning experience where our son is always fully engaged and enjoys his sessions.

With many years of experience in secondary and adult education, Mike brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every session. Mike’s commitment to continuous learning and professional development is evident through his many qualifications which underline his dedication to providing top-notch education.

For anyone seeking an educator who goes above and beyond to empower students and foster a conducive learning environment, Mike at Positive Learners is an invaluable asset. Thank you, Mike, for your cheerful humour, your unwavering commitment to education and your transformative impact on our educational journey."

Dr A. Sutton & Dr D. Sutton - Geelong

I was fortunate to have Mike tutor me through Year 11 and 12 where I successfully passed all subjects in VCE - English, History, Psychology, Visual Communications and a VET subject.

Mike’s main assistance for me over that time was in English, History and Psychology. However he also assisted with organising and planning for all subjects to ensure that I stayed on track with all requirements.

Mike has great knowledge of what is required in VCE English, History and Psychology. Mike took the time to work out my best learning style, strengths and weaknesses, then assisted me to achieve my best with this information.

Mike was always very encouraging, supportive and also had a sense of humour throughout our tutoring sessions, which was very much appreciated.

Myself and my parents are very grateful to have had Mike’s support over the last 2 years. Mike regularly engaged and discussed best management strategies with myself and my parents, and went above and beyond to assist. He has helped me to achieve my goal of successfully completing my VCE which will now enable me to move into further studies.

I would highly recommend Mike to any student requiring a supportive, knowledgeable and engaging tutor. He also brings to his skill set the added knowledge and experience of working with students with SLD’s (Specific Learning Differences).

Thankyou again Mike, it has been a privilege to have you walk this challenging journey me.

'F' Torquay

"Mike has been a lifesaver for our son this year. His weekly sessions have kept our son motivated and engaged with his schoolwork during the challenges of remote learning and beyond. The year has been particularly challenging for our son, who struggles with learning difficulties and high anxiety. From the first session, Mike made him feel at ease with his warmth, calm presence and sense of humour. Mike was creative and flexible in finding approaches that would support his particular learning needs and provided regular feedback and updates for us. Our son has developed his skills in comprehension and expression, but perhaps more importantly, has grown in confidence and willingness try new challenges - even in the areas that he does not have natural ability. Mike's sessions have always left him feeling good about himself - he never wanted to miss a lesson! "

'Z' - Torquay

"Mike is a caring, humorous and engaging teacher who I have had the pleasure to work with for 2 years at the International School of Azerbaijan. In his humanities classes, I support the students who need English assistance in accessing the curriculum. To help these students, we have met fortnightly to discuss strategies that could help these students and to differentiate materials and assessments. Mike is a very dedicated teacher as he ensures all of his students get the best care and reach their greatest potential in a positive learning environment."

Des O’Sullivan, EAL Department, The International School of Azerbaijan

Finding Mike and Candice was truly a life-changing experience for us as a couple and our boy. S was having difficulties in a few ways, the challenge of being an international student, adjusting to a second language, and more personal developmental challenges.

Mike was able to support initially not only in comprehension and English as a base, but work with S to develop the confidence and understanding of how to solve problems, and the process of problem-solving. The by-product of this method was also a really significant increase in S’s confidence, while soothing his anxiety and pressure on always getting the right answers.

Each week or two has always led to significant advances on a personal and academic level, in both English & Mathematics, with Mike developing a very strong connection and rapport with S, to build an environment that is safe to experiment and make mistakes, while supporting and working around any personal issues. His confidence to learn has also carried outside of the lessons with Mike, and brought home so we can further support his development in school, and in life as he matures through high school.

I know S will never want to miss a lesson, and we can’t thank Mike and Candice enough for their help over the years past and in the future.

'BW & JM' - Geelong

Throughout my 2 years of working with Mike he has guided me in the right direction and made me significantly more confident in my English. Mike is very easy to get along with and he is super honest when he thinks something isn`t working. Mike is respectful to everyone. He gives positive but constructive feedback that helps me develop my skills further.

Mike`s sessions are well thought out to ensure the maximum learning within the space of 1 hour. He also makes learning fun, there hasn’t been a time where I have been bored or not wanted to be there. He has a great sense of humour which makes him easy to connect with. Within the first few months of taking up tutoring with Mike, I saw a huge improvement in my grades not just in English but all my other subjects. I feel I am so much more confident in myself and I have Mike to thank for this and would highly recommend him to anyone who is looking for an exceptional tutor.

'W' - Geelong

"My name is Sarah Smith and my partner's name is Tom Smith.

Tom is 41 years of age he has always had trouble being able to read and write for most of his life.

We tried the Gordon Tafe to get help for Tom with reading and writing, Tom attended for two terms and was not receiving the help he required and gave up.

I decided to go online and came across a few tutors spoke to them by phone but I didn't think they were quite what I was looking for or if they could give Tom the help he required.

I then came across Candice McQueen after talking for a while she seemed to understand the type of tuition and help Tom required, Candice also offered for her husband Mike to tutor Tom as well Mike had also worked with people who had special needs as my partner has.

Tom has been receiving tutoring by Candice and Mike for over a year now and for the first time in Tom's life, he managed to read his first novel.

Tom still has a long way to go but we are both forever grateful to these two wonderful people and the caring and personal help they provide to people like Tom"

Sarah and Tom, Geelong

(Names have been changed at request)

Our son worked with Mike for almost two years and in this time they worked together on our son's transition to his VCE studies and with developing the skills necessary for this transition. Due to his specific learning difficulties, this was a not inconsiderable challenge for our son. Mike worked with him on developing a deeper understanding of the requirements of more analytical work demanded in English and History and how to structure study and assessed work. He also provided us with feedback and co-ordinated with our son’s teachers in an ongoing process of skill-building, motivation and reflection. We were really happy with the work Mike and our son did together and would happily recommend Mike."

'H' - Geelong

"I have worked collaboratively with Michael Lydon for several years in my capacity as a Learning Support teacher at the International School of Azerbaijan. In that time Michael has worked with numerous students with learning needs such as dyslexia, high functioning autism, ADHD and EAL. Michael is knowledgeable about these learning differences and has many strategies to help such students access the curriculum and to raise their self-esteem. Michael has great empathy for students with learning difficulties and tremendous rapport with all his students. It has been a pleasure to work with Michael."

Sandy Tam, Learning Support Department, The International School of Azerbaijan