EA1S011 - Introduction to Additional Learning Needs 01 Sep 2017 - 31 Aug 2026 | Version 1

Associated Module Information

Module Code: EA1S011
Module Title: Introduction to Additional Learning Needs
Faculty: Faculty of Life Sciences and Education
Faculty Group: ITE and Education Practice
Faculty Sub Group: Early Years
Module Leader: Rhiannon Packer
Module Team: Helen Davies, Sharon Reed, Ghazzala Begum, Hilary Morgan, Shelley Deacon, Philip Webber
First Intended Intake: SEP 2017 Final Year of Intake:
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 20 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100459 - education studies
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 1
Valid From 01 Sep 2017
Valid To 31 Aug 2026

Module Aims

To provide an opportunity for students to explore key aspects and theoretical perspectives of ALN and to appreciate the role of the learning support assistant. Students will develop the ability to recognise the signs and symptoms of relevant conditions and design and use current support strategies. The module will also develop students' skills of monitoring learner’s behaviour and progress and in providing feedback to teachers and learners.

Content Summary

Recent studies, together with the implications of their findings, will be reviewed to improve learning support practice with children and young people, with additional learning needs. These will include; autistic spectrum conditions and specific learning, communication and behavioural difficulties and disabilities. Up to date legislative frameworks and processes in relation to ALN will be explored. Relevant conditions will be examined; Asperger’s syndrome, ADHD, dyspraxia, dyslexia, physical and visual disabilities etc; to include signs, symptoms, profiling methods, strategies, and teaching approaches. Debates and issues surrounding diagnosis and the limitations of labels and importance of co-occurrence will be considered, together with wider issues of inclusion, stigma and relevant ethical issues. The educational implications of ALN and the role of external and internal agencies will be analysed. Strategies and interventions will be explored, to include ILPs. Methods of observing and assessing will be analysed. The implications for practice will be embedded throughout the module.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Lecture 12
Seminar 34
Tutorial 2
Independent Study 104
Directed Study 48
Total Hours Selected 200

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Analyse characteristics and behaviour that learners display that may indicate an additional learning need with reference to theoretical perspectives.
LO2 Examine classroom-based and wider, cross-institutional strategies to meet the needs of learners with ALN, with emphasis on the role of learning support.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Report 1 A report on the design, implementation and evaluation of a selected ALN intervention. 0 3000 100 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Report 1

Reading List

Boucher, J. (2008) The Autistic Spectrum: Characteristics, Causes and Practical Issues. London:Sage

Dittrich, W. and Tutt, R. (2008) Educating Children with Complex Conditions: Understanding Overlapping and Co-existing Developmental Disorders: London:Sage

Humphrey, N. (2013) Social and Emotional Learning: A Critical Appraisal. London:Sage

Kalyva, E. (2011) Autism: Educational and Therapeutic Approaches. London:Sage

Soler, J. Fletcher-Campbell, F. and Reid, G. (ed.) (2009) Understanding Difficulties in Literacy Development: Issues and Concepts. Oxford:Open University Press

Wall, K. (2010) Autism and Early Years Practice. London:Sage

Walton, A. and Goddard, G. (2012) Supporting Every Child2nd Ed. London: Learning Matters