What Makes This Course So Special?
This is a unique blended learning course on DCD/Dyspraxia and gives the opportunity to discuss key issues with international students from different disciplines while learning about DCD and related specific learning difficulties and how they effect the lives of children and adults. It is grounded in evidence base but also provides practical guidance for the practitioner.
Course Intro
This is a unique E-Learning-based course delivered by Professor Amanda Kirby of The Dyscovery Centre at Newport.
The Dyscovery Centre is a home for research, clinical practice and consultancy, specialising in DCD/Dyspraxia, with an international reputation for innovation. The course attracts participants throughout the world, drawn from a wide range of professionals with an interest in difficulties associated with living and learning. Parents and people who themselves have Dyspraxia have also benefited from taking the course.
A programme specification for this course is available.
What you study
This inter-disciplinary course consists of two modules:
• Assessment and identification of DCD/
Dyspraxia and related specific learning
difficulties
• Interventions and management of DCD/
Dyspraxia
Course content addresses the needs of individuals who have or may have DCD/Dyspraxia. It explores issues in identification, assessment and management and links theory with practice. Delivery is mainly online and is supported by a variety of relevant resources and course materials specially written by Professor Kirby and her team for this course, including a wide range of resources available online including tutorial support and regular access to online discussion forum.
Modules
Module 1 covers:
• Characteristics and definitions of DCD
• Co-occurring conditions e.g. ADHD, ASD, Dyslexia
• What is understood about gene/environment interaction
• Identification at different ages and stages, including adolescence and adulthood
There will be a written assignment for this module.
Module 2 Covers:
This module considers the management of DCD/ Dyspraxia and effectiveness of intervention approaches in relation to the whole child/individual and the family.
This entails the student completing an independent piece of action research in relationship to the context where the student is working.
Where Next?
Some students go on to the MA SEN at Newport. Others transfer the credits gained for the modules (total 60 at Masters level) into Masters programmes at other universities, or undertake CPD courses relevant to their particular professions.
Teachers who have undertaken the Postgraduate Certificate in SEN (Dyspraxia/ DCD) have increased career opportunities in a range of settings including providing advice, support and expertise to pupils, parents, mainstream and special schools.
Interview Required
No interview required
Assessment
Discussion and online participation during the course and a 5,000 word assignment at the end of each module. Small case presentations online may be requested during the course to ensure understanding and participation.
Student Soundbite
“This course has truly furthered my understanding of developmental disorders and has greatly benefited my work as a practitioner.”