Preparing to support learning

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 Those wishing to complete the full CSW course must take this unit first. Develop your knowledge and understanding of key issues relating to learning support practice with D/deaf students.

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Key course information

Dates
22/09/11 - 01/12/11

Day(s)
Thu

Duration
10 weeks

Time
14:00 - 17:00

Fees
Full fee: £360^NC

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
QC400*

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 the first 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.

Whereas all the other units within the certificated qualification are specific to supporting D/deaf learners, this unit is applicable to you if you work within general learning support.

The aim of this unit is to provide you with the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills needed in order to effectively fulfil the working role of a learning support practitioner.

It aims to familiarise you with the concept of lifelong learning and give you an understanding of the role of a support worker within it. It will also cover key support practice principles, various approaches to learning and the use of reflection as a tool to evaluate and improve learning support practice.

What topics will we cover?

- Lifelong learning
- Key support practice principles
- Approaches to learning
- Evaluating and improving learning support practice.

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

- Explain the contribution of learning support in raising learner achievement
- Discuss the value of learning for individual learners
- Describe a range of progression routes and opportunities for learners in their own context
- Explain key responsibilities of a learning support practitioner
- Explain how to work effectively with others to support learning in a particular context
- Identify key aspects of relevant current legislative requirements and organisational codes of practice within a particular context
- Discuss values and principles, which underpin learning support practice
- Explain key features of an inclusive learning environment
- Describe strategies to promote independent learning and self-determination
- Explain the importance of effective communication strategies
- Explain the importance of literacy, language, numeracy, ICT and wider key skills for independent learning
- Explain how individual learner needs may be addressed through the planning, delivery, assessment and review of learning and how a learning support practitioner may contribute to this process
- Explain how to use learning support activities to engage and motivate learners
- Explain how to address individual learner needs through the selection, adaptation, use and review of resources, including assistive technologies and ICT and the most effective use of these technologies.

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 30 hours with an additional 30 hours of 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 have 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:
- Learning support in lifelong learning contexts (CSW)
- 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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