Module Information

Module Identifier
EDM7420
Module Title
Additional Learning Needs
Academic Year
2017/2018
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Report  4050 word reflective and critical report of the one day observation placement  60%
Semester Assessment Rationale  Academic rationale (1350 words) to increase awareness of an additional learning need  20%
Semester Assessment Poster  Poster presentation to increase awareness of an additional learning need  20%
Supplementary Assessment Report  Failed elements must be re-taken if the student?s average mark falls below the required pass mark of 50%. A new observation and a different additional learning need must be chosen 4050 word reflective and critical report of the one day observation placement   60%
Supplementary Assessment Rationale  Academic rationale (1350 words) to increase awareness of an additional learning need  20%
Supplementary Assessment Poster  Poster presentation to increase awareness of an additional learning need  20%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Demonstrate an in depth, critical, specialist knowledge and understanding of additional learning needs

Demonstrate an advanced, critical understanding of policy making and practice in relation to additional learning needs

Critically evaluate and implement current issues, research and scholarship in additional learning needs.

Understand and be committed to the importance of theory, research, enquiry and research ethics for enhanced competence in professional practice in a field related to additional learning needs.

Aims

This module has been identified as a key component of the MA because it will increase the knowledge, understanding and skills of students in the field of additional learning needs. Any practitioner working in the field of education needs some understanding of teaching/working with children who display additional learning needs. When a child is identified as having an additional learning need, a school has statutory duties under the Education Act 1996 to do its best to ensure suitable provision and to share the needs of the pupil to all involved in the teaching of the child. The Act also states that teachers need to be aware of the importance of identifying and providing for pupils with special educational needs.

In February 2004, the Government published `Removing Barriers to Achievement? setting out their vision for giving children with special education needs the opportunity to succeed. The strategy states that all children should have opportunities to learn, play and develop alongside each other and that different people and organisations should work in partnership.

Brief description

This module will explore a number of issues relating to additional learning needs. Any practitioner working with children needs an awareness of additional learning needs. The module will explore legislation and codes of practice relating to additional learning needs. Furthermore, an insight into a number of recognized needs will be given and the practicalities of working with children who display these will be considered. Given the importance of partnership working in the `Removing Barriers to Achievement? document, the implications of this in practice will be investigated. This module will involve students undertaking a one day observation in a setting which includes/caters for children with additional learning needs.

Content

10x2 hour sessions as follows:

Session 1: Legislation, regulations, research ethics and codes of practice relating to special and inclusive education

Session 2: Principles of partnerships in delivering and supporting special and inclusive education

Session 3: Integration/Inclusion

Session 4: Barriers to access and participation

Session 5: Critical perspectives in inclusive and special education

Session 6: Developing differentiated curricula

Session 7: Alternative and Augmentative communication

Session 8: Personal, social and emotional development

Session 9: Behaviour and relationship management

Session 10: Understanding and supporting mental health

In addition to this there will be a one day placement in a setting which includes/caters for children with additional learning needs. Guidance on this placement will be given in session 2.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Statistics will be used and discussed throughout sessions.
Communication Oral communication will be essential for participation in sessions. Oral communication will be essential during the placement observation. Written communication will be required for all assessments
Improving own Learning and Performance Students will receive feedback on their assignments and during sessions to improve their performance.
Information Technology Written assignments will be word processed. Posters may involve innovative use of IT.
Personal Development and Career planning Assessments will be relevant to students wishing to continue to research at postgraduate level or move into employment in the field.
Problem solving Problem solving is an essential part of critical assessment and evaluation. Students will exercise this in all assessments. Students will also be required to apply their knowledge to practical problems and case studies given in sessions
Research skills Research skills will be required for all assessments and for participation in sessions.
Subject Specific Skills The module will give students the theoretical and practical skills necessary for working with pupils with additional learning needs
Team work Team work will be required for group activities. The observation placement will involve working with professional practitioners.

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 7