Start Dates
January 2011
Award: Certificate/Diploma in Education (Inclusive Education) from Dublin City University.
“I really enjoyed the flexible time frame which meant I could work around school commitments.”
Teacher
St Patrick's College, Drumcondra and ICEP Europe
Course Overview
 This Certificate/Diploma, officially accredited by Dublin City University, has been jointly developed by St Patrick's College Drumcondra, Special Education Department and ICEP Europe and part-funded by the Special Education Support Service of the Department of Education and Skills.
It is designed to equip mainstream teachers to respond effectively to the diverse needs of pupils in today's inclusive classroom. Serving the needs of pupils with diverse special educational needs is now the responsibility of all teachers and all schools and no longer the sole remit of specialist teachers. This flexible online course facilitates 24/7 study time regardless of geographical constraints.
Having completed the foundation module on Special and Inclusive Education, teachers then choose from a range of specialist elective modules, such as Autism, Dyslexia and Challenging Behaviour. The modules available for the coming academic year are listed in the course content section.
Who is this course aimed at?
This course is designed for teachers who are qualified from the Irish Education System.
Course Content
Each module is taught online by distance learning; students will be supported by their Course Tutors and Studies Advisor and are expected to participate in class discussions and online tutorials
Brief Module Descriptions
Compulsory Module
Foundation Module in Special/Inclusive Education
The foundation module is a required module for all candidates. This module is designed to provide students with a broad foundation in the principles of Inclusive Education. Course participants will gain a knowledge of policy, legislation and practice relevant to meeting the needs of pupils with additional or special educational needs in inclusive schools and classrooms. They will explore issues relating to early identification, assessment and intervention at both primary and secondary level. They will examine a range of assessment tools and teaching strategies pertinent to learners with diverse needs. Participants will become aware of the key elements of successful inclusion at a whole-school level and will become acquainted with the roles of the main stakeholders and the essentials of collaboration and consultation. At the level of the classroom they will gain skills in differentiating for diverse learning needs. This module will also include best practice guidelines for the development and monitoring of Individual Education Plans.
Teachers will then choose a further 3 modules in the case of a Certificate; the Diploma programme requires a further module on research methods and a project of 7000-8000 words. The following courses will be provided in the academic year 2009/2010.
Optional Modules
This module focuses on evidence-based approaches to identification and effective interventions for students with learning difficulties associated with dyslexia. It will include the following topics:
- Definitions and debates;
- the origins and neurological basis of this learning difficulty;
- current research;
- screening and assessment techniques;
- early identification and later detection.
The impact of dyslexia on learning at both primary and second levels is examined. Course participants will explore the key elements of the whole school approach. Individual support strategies, evidence based interventions and specific reading programmes are described and analysed. They will gain an understanding of the social and emotional impact of dyslexia on learners. In addition this module focuses on transition issues and individual planning for dyslexia.
The emphasis in this module is on practical, evidence-based strategies to help teachers modify their instruction, structure the classroom and modify the curriculum to help maximise the learning potential of these children. The module provides participants with an overview of autistic spectrum disorders including the history of and the defining features of ASD.
Participants will explore current research and theory on ASD in terms of the impact on the development of language and communication, social development, and sensory, motor and cognitive functioning. They will gain a knowledge of the principles of assessment and early identification of autism and Aspergers syndrome and the various methods of assessment and screening. In addition to examining curriculum adaptations and specific teaching strategies this module also examines typical challenging behaviours and appropriate interventions for pupils with ASD. Finally we look beyond the label of autism to the lived experience and emotional reality of people with ASD and their families.
Serving the needs of students who present with challenging behaviour is a significant problem within educational settings. This course focuses on evidence-based measures that have proven effective in supporting students and responding to challenging behaviour. Among the topics covered are:
- Theory and models of behaviour;
- origins of behaviour difficulties;
- promoting resilience and reducing risk;
- whole-school policy and strategies.
This module examines effective individual and group interventions for vulnerable students with a particular emphasis on positive behaviour support. The course also examines the area of emotional literacy and looks at ways of increasing academic success and engagement among these pupils. Staff support issues and teacher stress are also addressed. Preventative strategies and approaches for encouraging and fostering a positive school environment and relationships are also covered.
The inclusion of pupils with mild general learning disabilities (MGLD) is well supported by all legislation relating to educational provision. This module provides an overview of the potential learning difficulties that pupils with mild general disabilities may experience, it describes the implications of these for teaching and learning and outlines strategies to help facilitate access to a broad, balanced, differentiated and relevant curriculum for all pupils. Issues such as planning for transitions and working in partnership with parents are addressed. It examines how best to plan, assess and record pupils’ needs at school, class and individual level. This module also emphasises collaborative planning in support of teaching and learning.
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Duration & Assessment
The programme is delivered online and the duration is flexible to suit the needs of individual participants. The Certificate consists of four taught modules and must be completed within 3 years. The Diploma requires an additional module on research methods and a project of 7500-8000 words, which must be completed within 4 years from first registration.
Each module will have an assignment of 2,500-3000 word. The format of the assignment will vary according to the modular content, to include for example a written assignment, a piece of classroom-based action research or a reflective journal. During the course of each module, students are required to complete a number of interactive learning activities. The marking system is based on a combination of online participation and completed assignments.
Additional Information regarding Course Content can be found by downloading the Course Brochure. The FAQs document is also extremely informative.
How to Enrol?
An Application Form can be downloaded from www.spd.dcu.ie/admissions or www.icepe.eu
Applications should be forwarded to:
The Programme Director, Certificate/ Diploma in Education, Admissions, St Patrick’s College, Drumcondra, Dublin 9.
Late applications may be considered if places are available. Applications must be accompanied by a non-returnable administration fee of €25 (payable by postal order or cheque).
For further information please contact:
Joint On-line Certificate/Diploma in Education Course, Admissions Office, St Patrick’s College, Drumcondra, Dublin 9. Telephone: (01) 884 2025 or e-mail:
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or go to www.spd.dcu.ie/admissions
For ICEP Europe, telephone: (01) 6510618, email
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or go to www.icepe.eu
Fees
There will be a fee of €750 per module.
A Tax refund can be claimed against all fees paid. In addition, qualified* Teachers serving in the Republic of Ireland can apply for course funding support through the Teachers Refund Scheme administered by the Marino Institute of Education on behalf of the Department of Education and Skills( www.mie.ie/refundoffees.html ).
(*Qualified: Secondary School Teachers must hold a H.Dip qualification. Primary school teachers must hold a SCG qualification)
Click here to Download Application Form
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