EDM088-Learners with Special Educational Needs

Module Provider: Institute of Education
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2019/0

Email: c.tissot@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module provides an opportunity for students to gain a better understanding of  the main disabilities that a teacher may see in a mainstream classroom. It explores the theoretical basis for inclusion as well as the impact this has on practice. It will also debate the impact that disability has on society. Topics covered include:  inclusion, social justice, the way England supports children with disabilities and some specific disabilities including autism spectrum disorder, dyslexia, attention deficit disorder, mental health ailments etc.  Each session will start with an exploration of recent academic literature and provide a description, history and current research. 

Aims:

* To develop an understanding of a series of types of learning disabilities and the impact these have on an educational setting

• To contextualise the meaning of inclusion and the impact this has on educational settings
  
• To develop an understanding of current research on the specific types of disabilities 
  
• To increase understanding of the approaches to teaching specific types of disabilities
  
• To increase awareness of the historical context of disability as well as current government guidelines

Assessable learning outcomes:

* Critically evaluate contemporary research on the nature of disability

• Critically analyse recent national initiatives on the teaching of children with additional learning needs 
  
• Development of an academic argument on one aspect of disability and the impact on practice
  
• Critically evaluate their current or past practice in the light of evidence

Additional outcomes:

* Enhanced practice in working with students with additional learning needs 

*Opportunities to discuss and debate issues related to disabilities and the impact this has on society

Outline content:

This module explores some of the key disabilities found in educational settings. It is informed by historical context in relation to both current research and best practice for children and young people with additional learning needs. Specialist subject topics covered in the modules will include disabilities such as: Autism, Asperger’s syndrome, ADD/ADHD, SEBD, Sensory Disabilities, Profound and Complex learning needs, and Dyslexia. Meeting the needs of these children and young people will be considered within the global move towards inclusive practice. This module is taught in the evenings.

Global context:

This module will often deal with international or national issues in a variety of subjects.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The central delivery is through taught lectures by the Institute of Education’s researchers who are experts in their field.  The weekly sessions are designed to encourage small group discussion of the topic to share international best practice. Individual tutorials are arranged to provide feedback on formative assessment.  

Summative assessment- Examinations:
n/a

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

There will be one written assignment of 4,500 words. The topic and title is to be negotiated with the module convenor

Formative assessment methods:

Students will be set regular tasks on which form the basis of group discussions.  Formative feedback is provided for the set task. 

Penalties for late submission:
Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

50%

Reassessment arrangements:

Resubmissions must be submitted within one calendar month of the notification of failure.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Printing and binding: All reading is available on the electronic data bases which can be accessed via the library website. Students are not expected to print off reading, but may do so if they wish.

Last updated: 10 April 2019