Course Dates
Summer Term: 1 July - 23 August
Currently enrolling
Subsidised places still available
Award: Continuing Professional Development Certificate
“This course was well researched interesting and practical”
Enhancing Learning and Teaching
Course Overview
This specialised course has been developed by ICEP Europe in collaboration with Down Syndrome Ireland.
The most common cause of a learning disability, Down syndrome is a genetic condition which results from an extra chromosome. Children with Down syndrome have enormous potential, but it is only relatively recently that we have leaned how to optimise this potential. Changing attitudes and values, as well as policy and legislative developments are increasing the numbers of pupils with Down syndrome being included in mainstream classrooms. This positive trend looks set to continue into the future and it is crucial that teachers and schools are prepared to respond effectively to the unique learning needs of these students.
Being aware of the strengths and needs of pupils with Down syndrome enables teachers to devise appropriate instructional programmes and supports which promote engagement, progress and success in learning. The main focus of this course is to build the capacity of teachers and schools to provide appropriate educational experiences which are tailored to the individual needs and strengths of students with Down syndrome. There is a strong emphasis on practical evidence-based approaches which are directly applicable in the classroom and across the whole-school context.
Who is this course aimed at?
While this course is primarily designed for teachers and allied professionals, it may also be helpful for parents who want more detailed information about the development and education of children and young people with Down syndrome.
Key Course Information
- The course comprises 5 interactive learning modules, each taking approximately four hours online study time to complete, or 20 hours in total
- Learning is self-paced, allowing you to design your own study schedule around existing commitments, and giving you total freedom and flexibility
- On completion of the course you will receive a Certificate of Continuing Professional Development and a Learning Log of your course work which can be included in your CPD portfolio
- This course is approved by the Department of Education and Skills. Three EPV days are allowed for primary school teachers who take the course during the summer term. Please note this provision applies only to the summer term as per Department guidelines.
- Completion of a Reflective Assignment gives you the opportunity to analyse the key learning points from the course and how they can be applied in your classroom over the year ahead
- Participants are encouraged to interact with each other via the online discussion forum, allowing learners to enter active discussions with their colleagues and receive feedback from the expert course tutors.
Course Content
This course is designed for teachers at both primary and post primary level and provides the latest research, detailed information and practical skills and strategies essential to delivering effective education and support to children and young people with Down syndrome. It will equip you with an in-depth understanding and knowledge of the specific developmental and educational implications of Down syndrome and will build your capacity to adapt instruction and implement evidence-based approaches at an individual and whole-school level. You will also acquire a working knowledge of teaching strategies designed to develop literacy, speech, language and communication skills, numeracy and memory skills, social skills and motor skills. In addition, you will be encouraged to develop and implement best practice approaches and policies at the level of the classroom and in your own school in relation to supporting students with Down syndrome.
The focus of the course is to provide educators with proven educational approaches and teaching strategies which are designed to maximise progress for children with Down syndrome. The course will also provide an overview and background to emerging values and themes in the education of children and young people Down syndrome. Topics will include; implications of including students with Down syndrome in mainstream classrooms, the specific learning needs of students with Down syndrome, the differentiated curriculum, supporting students with differing levels of learning disability, promoting choice and autonomy, helping students build life skills, working with parents as partners, and developing individual education plans for students with Down syndrome.
Tuition and Support
- Specialised tutors working in the area of learning disabilities will provide you with individual support and guidance as you complete your studies online
- Technical support is provided by our dedicated team of qualified learning technologists, who can be contacted by telephone or email.
Assessment & Award:
Each student is required to complete the following items
- Interactive Learning Assignment per module
- Reflective Assignment
- Completion of CPD record
On successful completion of the course, students will receive a Certificate of Professional Development. A CPD Record that includes reflective assignments and course work contributions can be printed off for addition to a CPD portfolio.
Fees
Subsidised Course Fee: €150
Full Course Fee: €330
Currently employed teachers in the Republic of Ireland are eligible for subsidised fees. Please note that the number of subsidised places is limited and the full fee will apply once these places are filled.
How to Enrol?
Places are limited so early booking is advised.
To book a place, click here or use the Enrol Now button in the Course Option Menu on right of page. Alternatively phone 01 6510618, or email:
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
For Group Enrolment, Invoice Request and Payment by Employers or Organisations, please click here.
Back to top
|
