NOCN Level 3 Course for Teaching Assistants Supporting Learners with specific learning difficulties

Introduction

This course has been designed to provide candidates with the essential knowledge that is required when working as a teaching assistant supporting learners with Specific Learning Difficulties.

Candidates will be expected to show evidence of working with learners and must complete all six mandatory units in order to be recognised. The course is accredited by the National Open College Network.

The course aims to provide candidates with a theoretical and functional understanding of the requirements of a Teaching Assistant and is suitable for anyone who is interested in working with learners with SpLDs. Prior knowledge or understanding is not necessary, however candidates must have access, (either paid or voluntary) to learners for a minimum of 2 half days per week. We also recommend that candidates have at least a GCSE level understanding of literacy so that they are equipped to cope with the level of written work.

Unit Breakdown

Each unit will be supported by the candidate’s own ongoing experience of working with learners. Assessments will take place throughout the course.

You will need access to a school/college in order to carry out the following assignments:

Observation of 3 class lessons
Support learner/learners for a total of 18 hours as follows:
Reading – 6 hours
Spelling and/or writing – 6 hours
Study Skills, Numeracy and/or ICT – 6 hours
Access to various school/college policies, e.g.:
Special Educational Needs
Behaviour
Inclusion
Access to school/college records
Unit 1 – Legislation and Policies
This unit will give candidates the ability to understand the main points of national education legislation. They will be aware of how current initiatives are changing the educational environment, and how the organisation in which they work operates its own educational policy.
Unit 2 –Understanding Educational Theories and Specific Learning Difficulties
In this unit candidates will be taught about the nature of Dyslexia and other SpLDs, and the importance of different learning styles, and multi-sensory learning. They will be expected to apply the knowledge acquired in unit 1 in order to demonstrate how educational policy impacts upon the classroom itself.
Unit 3 – Supporting Reading, Writing and Spelling
Here candidates are taught strategies for effectively supporting learners in the areas of reading, writing and spelling. There will also be strategies for supporting learners with English as a second language. They will be shown how to make and use their own resources and will be expected to evaluate the usefulness of such resources.
Unit 4 – Supporting Numeracy and ICT
Candidates will learn and be able to demonstrate effective support techniques in the areas of Study Skills, Numeracy and ICT. Again they will be expected to create their own resources and evaluate how their support was effective to the learner.
Unit 5 – Behaviour, Self Esteem and Motivation
In this unit candidates will be taught about the importance of self-esteem and motivation and how these can impact on learning. They will be able to identify and demonstrate behaviour observation methods and understand issues surrounding behaviour management.
Unit 6 – Record Keeping and Reflective Practice
Here candidates will learn the importance of keeping and maintaining their records. It emphasises the role of feeding back observations to appropriate professionals and teaches candidates the purpose of evaluation and reflective practice to enable them to monitor the quality of their own work.

Course Information

The course will run for 16 weeks and will be held at the Helen Arkell Centre every Friday morning from 9.30am until 12.30pm beginning 24 February 2012 – 6 July 2012 and then 28 September 2012 – 8 February 2013. The total fee is £499. This discounted price has been made possible by our Bursary fund and includes OCN fees. Candidates may wish to purchase books or materials themselves and these are not included in the course fee.