Introduction to Learning Difficulties

Overview

Introduction to Learning Difficulties is designed to help educators, allied health professionals, support workers, parents and carers better understand and support children and young people with learning difficulties. The course provides evidence based knowledge and practical strategies to identify, understand and respond to a range of learning difficulties, including specific learning disorders such as dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia.

Through real-world case studies and contemporary research, learners develop a deeper understanding of how learning difficulties can impact academic, social and emotional development. The course equips learners with practical tools to recognise learning needs, implement appropriate supports and create more inclusive learning environments that help students achieve their full potential.

What You Will Learn

Gain foundational knowledge of learning difficulties and specific learning difficulties (SLDs)
Examine core concepts such as how cognitive processes, executive functioning and working memory impact social, academic and emotional development. You'll gain the theoretical and practical skills required to teach students with learning difficulties.‍

Understand diagnostic labels and how to identify learning difficulties
Gain a better understanding of diagnostic labels as well as how to identify students who may have learning difficulties or SLDs (such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and developmental language or coordination disorders).‍

Explore literacy and numeracy development frameworks
Analyse real-world case studies and evidence-backed literacy and numeracy development frameworks to see where breakdowns in learning can occur. Explore how these frameworks can be used to improve the trajectories of your students.‍

Provide additional, targeted support for students
Develop an understanding of the relevant legal requirements, reasonable adjustments, accommodations and assistive technology that supports students with learning difficulties.‍

Gain essential practical experience
Put your new knowledge into practice and produce a detailed outline based on your professional context that defines the ‘next steps' for identifying and addressing learning difficulties, including SLDs. You'll gain valuable expert feedback on your work.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Explain the Response to Intervention framework and how it can support the learning of students with learning difficulties, including Specific Learning Disorders
• Analyse the screening, progress-monitoring, diagnostic, and outcome assessments applied within the Response to Intervention framework relative to the purposes of identifying and supporting students with learning difficulties
• Analyse assessment data to formulate SMART goals that support the learning and well being of students with learning difficulties

Who is this for?

This course is ideal for practising and pre-service teachers, support workers, and allied health practitioners who work within the education sector, as well as parents and carers of students with learning difficulties.

Learners should have relevant experience or professional learning within the education sector. This is desirable but not an eligibility requirement for this course.

To support your learning journey, you will have access to readings, videos, case studies and reflection activities throughout the course.

Participants will receive a Certificate in Introduction to Learning Difficulties jointly awarded by University of Melbourne and Principals Academy.