Supporting Additional Learning Needs: Critical Observations

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Having successfully completed this module you will be able to:

• Knowledge and understanding of the societal and organisational structures and purposes of education and training for learners with additional needs, and the possible implications for learners and the learning process
• Provide an opportunity for you to engage in the critical observation of theory and practice in an educational or training context where learners with additional needs are supported
• The ability to develop, organise and articulate opinions and a coherent line of argument in both speech and writing while adopting relevant and appropriate specialist vocabulary
• Knowledge and understanding of the underlying values, principles and practices relevant to supporting learners with additional needs
• knowledge and understanding of the values and theories of educational practices for learners with additional support needs
• The ability to select and apply a range of relevant theoretical and research-based evidence (primary and secondary sources) to extend your knowledge and understanding
• The ability to systematically analyse educational concepts, theories and issues of policy in a range of contexts relevant to learners with additional needs
• Enable you to devise a strategy that could facilitate opportunities to experience and observe an educational or training context where learners with additional needs are effectively supported

The module incorporates the critical observation and analysis of aspects of provision and practice in a range of contexts relevant to learners with additional needs taking particular account of the theory and application of evidence-led practice for effective teaching and learning.

Topics normally covered in this module will include:

• Role of governments;
• UK Legislation and policies e.g.The Equality Act; The Children and Families Act;
• Inclusion;
• Mainstream vs. specialist contexts;
• Supported employment;
• Lifelong learning;
• Educational Outcomes;
• What is education preparing learners for following formal education settings?
• What outcomes should educators be focusing on for learners with additional needs?
• Who decides what a 'good outcome' means?
• Parental involvement;
• Alternative options [e.g. home-schooling; paying for additional (private) tuition].

This module is taught through a mix of interactive teaching sessions, directed reading and suggested additional research. Typically, there will be an interactive lecture and seminar each week with the exception of the weeks during your visits to an educational or training context. You will be expected to carry out critical observations, and a short period of 1-1 teaching, normally in single setting selected from Early Years, Primary, Secondary, Tertiary or Higher Education (a minimum of 8 hours). Opportunities for tutorial support will be available.

Formative

This is how we’ll give you feedback as you are learning. It is not a formal test or exam.

Individual Session Plan

• Assessment Type: Formative
• Feedback: Formative feedback will be available via tutorials if requested
• Final Assessment: No
• Group Work: No

Summative

This is how we’ll formally assess what you have learned in this module.

Referral

This is how we’ll assess you if you don’t meet the criteria to pass this module.

Repeat

An internal repeat is where you take all of your modules again, including any you passed. An external repeat is where you only re-take the modules you failed.