General Learning Disabilities

Introduction

Students with general learning disabilities (GLD) comprise the largest group with additional needs in our schools; it is therefore crucial that teachers and schools are prepared to recognize and respond to their special educational needs. This course is designed to equip educators with the knowledge, skills and understanding to ensure these students reach their full potential. The content of this course has been revised and updated in 2021.

Course Overview
Course Content
Assessment & Award
Tutors and Support
FAQs

About the course

This specialised course has been developed by ICEP Europe in collaboration with a panel of educators and other practitioners working in the field of learning disabilities. Students with general learning disabilities (GLD) comprise the largest group with additional learning needs in schools today. They may have a recognized disability, such as Fragile X, Down syndrome, or the cause may be unknown as is the case for many students with mild GLD. Intellectual, social and adaptive functioning mature at a slower rate and self-esteem can also be an issue.

The main focus of this course is to build the capacity of educators to provide quality educational experiences to support students with GLD. This means creating inclusive learning environments and providing differentiated instruction that builds on each child’s strengths and talents. From the developmental implications of various general learning disabilities, to specific strategies for enhancing teaching and learning across the age range, this practical course will boost your knowledge and confidence and give you an in-depth understanding of effective instructional approaches, differentiation, behaviour support, collaboration and individual educational planning for students with GLD.

Who is this course aimed at?

This course is aimed at teachers, psychologists and others with a professional interest in general learning disabilities. It may also be helpful for parents interested in learning about appropriate educational provision for their own children.

Approved by the Department of Education

This course is approved by the Department of Education.

Three EPV days will be 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.

This course has four terms each year, Spring, May/June, Summer & Autumn.

Designed for educators in a broad range of settings from preschool to further education, there is a strong emphasis on practical evidence-based approaches, which are directly applicable in the classroom, and in the whole-school context. The course also provides an overview of emerging values and themes in the education of children with general learning disabilities. The topics include best practice guidelines for inclusion, level of functioning and learning profiles of students with general learning disabilities, 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 children and young people with general learning disabilities.

Taking a developmental perspective, this course looks in detail at the areas of language, communication, social, emotional, and academic skills as they arise in children with GLD and how these impact on school performance. Drawing on international best practice and the latest research, this course offers you a wealth of practical resources, lesson plans and teaching techniques for addressing barriers to learning and participation. You will acquire a working knowledge of specific teaching strategies in the areas of numeracy, literacy, language and communication, motor skills, and social and emotional 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 children with GLD.

Highlights

Learn how to assess the learning profiles of students with general learning disabilities.
Develop a working knowledge of specific teaching strategies in the areas of language and communication, and numeracy and literacy for students with GLD.
Learn how to develop Individualised Education Plans (IEPs) for your students
Learn how to promote choice and autonomy and build life-skills.
Develop your skills for differentiating curriculum and adapting instruction
Enjoy rich opportunities for collaboration with our online network of learners and tutors.
Save printable course materials and resources for future reference.

Interactive Learning Assignments accompany each module. Each student is also required to complete a Reflective Assignment as well as a CPD record.

On completion, you will receive a Certificate of Continuing Professional Development and a Learning Log of your work, which can be included in your CPD portfolio.

All of our tutors specialise in the area of learning disabilities and will provide you with one-to-one guidance as you complete your studies online.

Technical support is provided by our dedicated team of qualified learning technologists, who are available to assist you by telephone or email.

Who are the courses designed for?

Our courses are designed for educators, special needs professionals, parents and anyone with an interest in special needs education or positive psychology. Our courses are particularly suitable for those who require flexibility and freedom in accessing professional education and updating their skills.

How long are the courses?

Our courses are 20 hours long, fully online and can be completed entirely at your own pace over the term. It will be possible to download each module and print it off to study in your own time offline if you prefer.

How often do you run the professional development courses?

Our courses run four times a year, in Spring, May/June, Summer & Autumn.

How do I enrol?

You can enrol online here or by calling +35316510618. Due to the self paced, flexible nature of the course we accept enrolments right up to 1 week before each term ends.

Do I need a high level of computer skills to take a class?

No, the courses are very user friendly and the skills necessary are quite basic and easily learned. We will be available to provide any technical assistance you need during the course.

What are the technical requirements for online learning?

You will need a computer with e-mail and access to the internet. Everything else you need for the course is provided though our integrated learning management system – this is user-friendly and easy to navigate.

Who is suited to online learning?

These courses are suitable for people who have busy schedules but still want the opportunity to receive high quality professional development at a time that suits them.

What kind of support is provided?

We provide all the supports necessary to make this online learning experience a success for you. You will have access to our expert tutors who are available via email throughout the duration of your course during working hours from Monday to Friday. Technical support is also available through email and we can also be contacted by telephone at +35316510618.

How am I assessed?

Our learning management system logs all student activity online. This tells us if a student has accessed all the course material.

At the end of each module we ask students to contribute to an online forum for that module.

At the end of the entire course students are required to write a reflective assignment on the learning they gained from the course.

These activities are included in your 20 hours of study time.

Do I get a certificate on completion?

Following successful completion of your course you will receive a Certificate of Continuing Professional Development which you can include on your CV.

WHAT OUR STUDENTS SAY:

"Since beginning this course, I have gained a wealth of knowledge in an area I was otherwise uninformed about. As I am an NQT, I have not come across every learning difficulty a child may have so getting the chance to learn about the various GLD that a student may present with was very informative and quite sobering. This course has allowed me to break down my assumptions around GLD and engaged me in a much more open-minded world."

Ciara Sloyan