Difficulties in literacy development abstract

Difficulties in literacy development
Presentation pattern

E801

October to September

Programme information
The masters degree has over 3000 students and offers professional qualifications for
students who have some experience of teaching, the education advisory service, educational
administration or an allied field. The usual entry requirement is either a bachelors degree (in
any subject area) or its equivalent; or successful completion of an Advanced Diploma in
Education, an OU Certificate in Continuing Professional Development (now discontinued), or
Qualified Teacher Status and at least three years’ teaching experience. Applicants without
these qualifications, but with substantial relevant professional experience may also be
admitted.
Students usually need to be able to work with learners, but not necessarily in a formal
teaching situation. They are encouraged to relate the content of the modules to their own
experiences and to develop skills of independent study and enquiry. Students on the
programme are attached to an associate lecturer who provides group tutorials and individual
support by telephone, correspondence and email. You would not usually have more than

fifteen students and will be expected to assess four to six pieces of work from each.
Module description
Teachers and other educational professionals will find this module particularly useful. It aims
to raise the standard of all students’ literacy levels and increase awareness of the barriers to
learning some students face. They will explore and reflect on appropriate curriculum
responses to the needs of children as well as the wider issues relevant to adults who
experience difficulty in literacy development. The module can be taken as part of the masters
in education or on its own for a Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Studies in Education.
It can also lead to accreditation by the British Dyslexia Association.
Person specification
The person specification for this module should be read in conjunction with the generic
person specification for an associate lecturer at The Open University.
As well as meeting all the requirements set out in the generic person specification, you should
have:


qualified teacher status




qualifications at masters level or above in literacy difficulties or literacy or special
educational needs



research experience at postgraduate level



recent relevant experience of working with pupils or students who experience difficulties
in learning



awareness and understanding of conceptual issues related to the area of literacy
difficulties



willingness to engage with elearning and the VLE.


It would be an advantage to have:


Associate Membership of the British Dyslexia Association



awareness and understanding of recent legislation related to special educational needs
and literacy.

Module related details - a full explanation can be found on the website
Credits awarded to the student for the successful
completion of a module:
Number of assignments submitted by the student:
Method of submission for assignments:
Level of ICT requirements:
Number of students likely to be in a standard group:
Salary band:
Estimated number of hours per teaching week:


60
4
1a
2
15
5
3.5