Autism

Last updated: 29/02/2012

This module is designed for the teachers of learners on the autism spectrum. It features 20 units, including the initial 9 that discuss general good practice, and covers:

  • The triad and sensory issues
  • Theoretical explanations of the autism spectrum
  • The evidence base for educational interventions
  • Identifying the needs of individual pupils on the autism spectrum
  • The social-emotional curriculum: social assistance for pupils on the autism spectrum
  • Supporting the development of friendship skills
  • Differentiation, adaptation, and modification
  • Creating a learning environment for pupils on the autism spectrum: the physical environment
  • Engaging effectively with parents, carers and families
  • Working effectively with colleagues and other agencies
  • Curriculum: life skills

The module’s content gives insight not just into teaching pupils with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in schools, but also how people deal with ASD as they progress into adulthood and independent living.

Moderate learning difficulties (MLD)

Last updated: 29/02/2012

The materials and online resources in this module give insight into the complexities of identifying and working with pupils with MLD. It features 13 units, including the initial 9 that discuss general good practice, and covers:

  • The history, classification and terminology of MLD
  • Social aspects of MLD
  • Identifying pupils with MLD
  • The learning environment: whole school approaches

In addition to looking at different interventions and planning and teaching strategies, the module gives consideration to pupils’ perspectives of school life, and how they relate to both school staff and peers.

Behavioural, emotional and social difficulties (BESD)

Last updated: 29/02/2012

In this module, we look into the importance of good social and emotional skills in educational development, and how to provide the best teaching for pupils with difficulties in this area. It features 16 units, including the initial 9 that discuss general good practice, and covers:

  • Teaching social and emotional skills
  • Psychological perspectives on behaviour
  • Therapeutic approaches
  • Understanding and managing anger
  • The interaction of genetic and environmental factors, the concept of resilience and risk, and protective factors for BESD
  • ADHD
  • Attachment/Attachment disorders/Nurture

The module examines the causal influences for, and effects of, BESD in detail. It is designed to not only provide information on teaching practice, but also give details of the support that’s available outside the school for both pupils and teaching staff.

Specific learning difficulties (SpLD)

Last updated: 29/02/2012

This module is designed for the teachers of pupils with literacy difficulties, dyslexia, maths difficulties and dyscalculia. It features 16 units, including the initial 9 that discuss general good practice, and covers:

  • Learning to read
  • Assessing reading
  • Learning to write
  • Assessing writing
  • Defining dyslexia
  • Interventions for literacy skills
  • Dyscalculia

As well as detailing a range of interventions and teaching approaches to help pupils with such difficulties, the module looks at causal factors and how such problems present and change over time.

Speech, language and communication needs (SLCN)

Last updated: 29/02/2012

In this module, specialist teachers can access learning materials, tasks and activities related to working with pupils with SLCN. It features 18 units, including the initial 9 that discuss general good practice, and covers:

  • Creating a holistic profile for a pupil with SLCN
  • Improving access, inclusion, and participation
  • Pupils with SLCN in primary schools
  • Pupils with SLCN in secondary schools
  • Targeted interventions and provision mapping
  • Working with colleagues and other agencies
  • Supporting teachers to plan and teach inclusive lessons for pupils with SLCN
  • Observing others teaching
  • Assessment, monitoring progress and interventions

As well as providing step-by-step examples of different interventions and teaching approaches, the module looks at the causal influences behind SLCN, and the longer-term effects of such difficulties.