Learning support in lifelong learning contexts

Study part-time to achieve a new nationally-recognised professional qualification in Communication Support Work, accredited by the Signature awarding body, by completing 8 units over two years. On this unit, explore the roles and responsibilities of CSWs, and the variety of contexts within which CSWs work. You will also consider role boundaries in relation to other professionals and issues around literacy, numeracy and ICT.

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Key course information

Dates
08/12/11 - 22/03/12

Day(s)
Thu

Duration
13 weeks

Time
14:00 - 17:00

Fees
Full fee: £468^NC

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
QC401*

Availability
This course has finished

^NC: No concessionary fees available as there is no government funding for this course.

This course has finished

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Still got questions?
deafedu@citylit.ac.uk or call 020 7492 2725

Course outline

What is the course about?

This course is one of eight units which together lead to a Signature-endorsed nationally recognised professional qualification. Please see section 12, below, for the remaining seven units. The full course will run over a two-year period.

This qualification is for you if you already work as a specialist learning support practitioner with D/deaf learners or if you wish to work in this area. Work contexts include various adult education settings as well as work-based training settings within voluntary, community, private and public organisations.

The aim of this unit is to provide you with the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills in order to effectively fulfil the working role of a communication support worker (CSW).

This is the second unit of the certificate to run. It closely examines issues specific to a CSW’s role including: the nature and purpose of a CSW; the role of context in learning support; the role and responsibilities of a CSW; the importance of CSWs working as part of a team; self reflection and evaluation part in the improvement of one’s practice; and a study of the ways that literacy, language, numeracy and ICT knowledge and skills may be developed through learning in different contexts.

What topics will we cover?

- The nature and purpose of learning support in a range of contexts
- The role of context in learning support
- The role and responsibilities of a learning support practitioner (Communication Support Worker)
- How to work with others to support learning
- Ways that literacy, language, numeracy and ICT knowledge and skills both impact on and may be developed through learning in different contexts
- How to evaluate and improve own learning support practice in a range of contexts.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- Identify key features of a range of learning and teaching settings, which provide a context for learning support
- Explain the potential impact of learning support practice on the quality of provision in a particular context
- Explain key features of successful collaborative approaches to the planning and delivery of learning support in a range of contexts
- Explain key factors which inform strategies for learning and teaching in a range of settings, identifying barriers and boundaries
- Explain how the nature of learning support provision may vary in different contexts
- Identify benefits and limitations of thematic approaches to learning support
- Explain ways in which learning can be generalised and transferred between different settings
- Explain the relationship between own role and the roles of other relevant parties in supporting learning
- Explain own responsibilities with reference to current and relevant legislation and codes of practice within a particular context
- Work with other relevant parties to support individual learning needs, demonstrating good practice
- Communicate effectively with appropriate and relevant parties to meet the needs of learners
- Identify ways in which own knowledge, understanding and personal skills in literacy, language, numeracy and ICT impact on learning and teaching processes
- Plan appropriate development opportunities to improve own knowledge, understanding and personal skills in literacy, language, numeracy and ICT in order to effectively support learners
- Reflect on the key effectiveness of own learning support practice in different settings drawing on a range of indicators including the views of learners and colleagues
- Identify and plan for opportunities to improve own practice.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This is a level 3 course. A minimum level 2 BSL is essential for candidates, BSL level 3 is desirable. Candidates should also have English and maths at level 2. BSL and English skills will be assessed at interview.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Group taught sessions will involve:
- Large and small group work including brainstorming, problem solving, role-play and other tasks
- Simulated support situations
- Peer and tutor observations

You will also have 1:1 tutorials with the unit tutor.

In addition to work carried out in class you will be required to:
- Write reflective journals
- Undertake independent study as led by your tutor
- Document learning as appropriate and create evidence for your portfolio

This course will be taught over 40 hours with an additional 20 hours personal study.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

You will need to bring an A4 portfolio and dividers for collecting evidence and assignments and a recordable DVD for the filming of some evidence. In order to achieve the Signature qualification and certificate, you must successfully complete all 8 units of the course.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

Yes. Before you can enrol on this course, you need to have an advisory interview with the relevant department. Without this the enrolment team will be unable to process your enrolment. Please contact the department to arrange your interview, or to find out about drop-in sessions. Contact us on 020 7492 2725 or email deafedu@citylit.ac.uk to arrange your interview, which will include assessments in both British Sign Language and written English.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made. In addition to the regular feedback you will get in class, from the tutor as well as from your peers, you will also receive individual tutorial feedback. You will be required to undertake individual self reflection throughout the course.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses. You will also have the opportunity to give your views during classes and tutorials.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

You can go on to complete the other 7 units of the certificate:
- Preparing to support learning
- Accessible English for D/deaf and D/deafblind People
- Clear speech and notetaking (CSW)
- Principles of learning support
- Approaches to learning
- Reflective journal
- Supporting bi-lingual access.

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2725

Fax: 020 7492 2745

deafedu@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times for BSL and Lipreading: Wednesday 14:00 – 15:00 (term-time only) All other advice by appointment

English, maths and computing courses for Deaf people

Tel: 020 7492 2726 (voice)

Email: deafskills@citylit.ac.uk

Contact us for advice times.

Contact us

Deaf education

Tel: 020 7492 2725

Fax: 020 7492 2745

deafedu@citylit.ac.uk

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