Course Detail
This course takes participants through the process of identifying SpLDs in
learners who are using English as an additional language,
highlighting key issues that may be different from assessing English-speaking
(mono-lingual) people. By the end of the course, participants will
have the tools and knowledge needed to distinguish between difficulties caused
by the English-learning process, and those that are due to underlying cognitive
differences (neurodiversity).
On enrolment, each participant will receive a full set of the CAML
materials (Cognitive Assessments for Multilingual Learners) appropriate
to the age group they are working with. The sessions are presented on a
Moodle platform, with a user-friendly interface. Support is available via
email or zoom at any time. From the date of enrolment, the course is open
for 2 weeks, and can be completed at any point up until then.
After a short welcome and orientation section, participants work through
the 5 sessions at their own pace. These cover:
- collecting vital background information,
- evaluating existing or potential literacy practices,
- assessing memory,
- speed of processing and phonological processing
- interpreting the data and giving appropriate feedback.
In each session there is a video to watch, a short task to guide thinking, and
some additional materials to look at.
Each stage of the process is exemplified by case study material,
which builds towards the final session, when participants are required to make
a judgement about the cognitive profile of one learner, and complete a report
memo setting out the key features of their cognitive profile, and making some
recommendations to inform teaching.
This final task must be submitted in order to demonstrate achievement of
the course requirements and receive a certificate of participation. There is
also a requirement to complete the online feedback section in order to finish
the course.