Department Education Studies

Level Undergraduate Level 3

Module leader Dimitra Hartas

Credit value 15

Module duration 10 weeks

Assessment 100% coursework

Study location University of Warwick main campus, Coventry

Introduction

This module will introduce students to issues related to definition, characteristics and learning requirements of children with Dyslexia, Autistic Spectrum Disorders and Language Difficulties. It will develop students’ awareness of inclusion as a theoretical and practical process. It will broaden students' knowledge of SEN policy and procedures. The module will also provide opportunities for students to understand and apply the principle of early identification and assessment.

Principle Module Aims and Outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Develop a systematic, coherent and critical knowledge and understanding of areas of need such as specific learning difficulties (developmental dyslexia), autistic-spectrum disorders; and language difficulties.
• Develop a conceptual understanding of the implications of educational research and the way it shapes policy and practice with regard to special educational needs.
• Develop a critical understanding of pedagogy and classroom practice in the special needs context, devising and sustaining arguments that consolidate and may extend knowledge.
• Explore the notion of working with parents and other professionals, as well as issues of integrated working.
• Accurately deploy established research skills appropriate to the discipline.
• Identify a range of appropriate solutions based on a critical evaluation of policies and practices that challenge issues about inclusion and specific additional services for children.
• Develop a conceptual and systematic understanding of the importance of early diagnosis and intervention.

Syllabus

• Introduction: The Changing Nature of Special Educational Needs and Inclusive
  Education. The new Children and Families Act 2014.
• Inclusion: theoretical and practical perspectives and the principles of inclusive practice.
• Specific Learning Difficulties: Dyslexia
• Child Language Development, Difficulties & Issues of Assessment and Identification
• Language difficulties or language difference? EAL, Bilingualism and Language
  Difficulties and their impact on academic performance
• Co-existence between Language and other conditions: Eg, Language and
  Emotional/Behavioural Difficulties in Children
• Autistic-Spectrum Difficulties: Identification, assessment and provision
• Integrated working in support of children with SEN

Study Time

Type	Required	Optional
Lectures	10 sessions of 1 hour (7%)
Seminars	10 sessions of 2 hours (13%)
Tutorials	(0%)	1 session of 15 minutes
Private study	120 hours (80%)
Total	150 hours

Assessment

	Weighting
Exam Week	100%
This assessment will take the form of an 'Exam Week'. In a specified week after the teaching on the module has finished, students will answer a series of questions in essay form (working to a maximum overall word limit). The questions will be made available on the Monday morning and students will have until the Friday afternoon to complete the assessment. The module leader will confirm the exact specification of this assessment once the module teaching begins.