Teaching English to students with atypical developmentModule Details

Background and Rationale

Teaching English as a second language to learners with special educational needs (SENs) has become one of the top challenges of contemporary second language education and its methodology. It is the main reason why future and in-practice
teachers should be well informed about various SENs and the principles how to teach and support SEN learners in second language classes. This module will introduce students to the area of developmental disorders of learning and how to apply the teaching process based on the educational needs of the classroom. The following topics will be included: Theoretical and methodological issues in the study of developmental disorders; Dyslexia; Reading Comprehension Impairment; Language Impairment; Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; Developmental Coordination Disorder; Autism Spectrum Disorders; Interventions for developmental disorders. The student will learn to identify the disorders and how to develop the appropriate teaching practice.

Learning Outcomes
 

On completion of this module students will:
 Display a broad understanding of the range of concepts, information and professional expertise relevant to developmental disorders of learning
 Show an increased understanding of the approaches to assessment, identification and intervention strategies for children with developmental disorders
 the needs and motivation of language learners
 teaching languages for specific purposes
 the role of the teacher
 the place of methods in language teaching
 principles of syllabus design
 alternative’ approaches to teaching
 critical pedagogy
 Display an in-depth understanding of the evidence for the nature, diagnosis, assessment and intervention of developmental disorders and how to provide the best possible support for children with these disorders.

On completion of this module students should have developed skills in:
 Critical evaluation of relevant and recent research
 Independent research into current issues in relation to atypical development