Analysis of Learning Disabilities in EducationModule Details

Rationale 

In an era of inclusive practice fewer children and young people are educated away from their localities and communities. Unless there is some compelling reason why a child should not be included, educational needs of children and young people are generally expected to be met in mainstream schools. It follows that teachers in mainstream schools will invariably experience teaching children with learning difficulties and disabilities. This philosophy underpins both this course and the whole pathway, although alternative views across the globe are also raised and debated. The course covers the most common learning difficulties and disabilities likely to be presented.  The class teacher, special educational needs staff and other professionals supporting learning will benefit if they have some understanding as to how certain children and young people with difficulties experience their wider world and their closer environment. An appreciation of the difficulties can be the first step toward making a positive contribution to development generally. More specifically understanding disabilities and difficulties in learning can better equip those responsible for making provision to plan for an effective programme of developing the necessary communication skills which in turn may enable the child or young person to access a broader curriculum. 
The aim of this course is to offer the student an insight into the nature, aetiology and extent of various types of learning difficulties and disabilities.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course students will be expected to:

(i)    Analyse the pathways of development and appreciate the possible impact of a child’s SEN on school progress. 
(ii)   Analyse learning difficulties and disabilities in terms of aetiology, nature, degree, extent, and co-morbidity. 
(iii)  Explain the models of understanding viz. the medical model and social influences.
(iv)  Analyse examples of practice and on the basis of their understanding of need and any assessments available, recommend appropriate action.
(v)   Apply the key principles of effective teaching and curriculum access in the context of a range of SEN.
(vi)  Evaluate critically the education systems of selected countries and their response to SEN, in order to facilitate study/work abroad or comparative study.