Q

What are the entry requirements?

A

You will already be working as a teacher or a support tutor working towards a Level 4 Teaching Qualification:

• working with adults in FE or HE in a basic skills setting

• or supporting  adults in Adult Literacy or Skills for Life groups

• or you will have taken up a post by the time the course starts. 

The course content is designed to be readily accessible to anyone who has worked at Level 3 or above (candidates must have GCSE English grade A-C or equivalent).

Q

Where will the courses be held?

A

The courses will be held in various locations around the country (subject to demand).  See here for up to date venue information. 
Closed events welcomed at your own venue at discounted prices.
We would be happy to discuss partnerships with colleges/institutions to provide courses at different venues.

Q

How many people will there be on a course?

A

Between 12 and 20, average 16, and one tutor.

Q

When does the course take place?

A

1 day each week during term time, 9.30am to 4pm. for 15 sessions.

Q

What do the course fees cover?

A

All your tuition and assessment, registration and certificate, all handouts including the Brief Guide and Introduction to the Course, a book called ‘Making the Curriculum Work for Learners with Dyslexia’ by Jenny Lee, and a CD ROM and workbooks based on a structured literacy programme for adults.

Q

Will I need to buy anything else?

A

You will need pens and paper and some stationery.  Access to a computer is essential – you should be able to use one in your place of work. 

Q

Who teaches the course?

A

Tutors from the Dyslexia Institute Training Service.  They are all qualified and experienced teachers and trainers in the field of dyslexia and literacy.  Some of the most senior trainers developed the course and the whole team meets regularly for discussion, planning and in-service training.

Q

What does a typical course day consist of?

A

Three lectures or workshop sessions and a feedback session for discussing teaching, lesson plans and evaluation.
Tea and coffee breaks and 1-hour lunch break.

Q

What sort of things will I learn?

A

You will learn about dyslexia, what it is and how it affects learning, and a little about the development of language and literacy, and how written English works.  You will learn about the principles underlying literacy learning, and the main thrust of the course will be on the practicalities of supporting learning.

Q

What does the course consist of?

A

The course is made up of  6 units:

1. Understanding dyslexia

2. Research, assessment and planning

3. Structured Teaching Programme and Teaching Methodology

4. Language and Literacy

5. Organisation skills
6. Issues related to the teaching of adults with dyslexia.

Q

What assignments will I have to do?

A

• For the second unit you will find an adult learner and assess ready to teach. With guidance, you will develop an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) for the learner.
• In the third unit you will provide lesson plans and evaluations based on the teaching of the structured learning programme that you have been provided with. The work you produce from these two units will provide the basis of a short case study.
• In the fourth,  fifth and sixth units you will be expected to provide a short summary of the lectures with some evidence of further reading. This will form part of a Professional Development Journal.

Q

Will I be able to diagnose dyslexia? 

A

No, but you will be encouraged to use the DfES Diagnostic Assessment Tests that may indicate dyslexic difficulties and that will measure achievement and learning in the 4 skill areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening. 

Q

What will I have to do in college?

A

The 25 hours work in college is the time when you apply what you have learned by assessing and teaching the adult learner you have chosen.  You will produce lesson plans and evaluate your lessons. You will be observed for a minimum of 1 hours teaching (this may be done on video).

Q

What happens at the end?

A

Tutors keep careful records, and submit your results, with a sample of your work at the end to the Moderating Committee, which is made up of representatives of all the course sites.  If all work has been completed to a satisfactory level, the accrediting body will be asked to issue your certificate.  You will be awarded the Dyslexia Institute Certificate for Teaching Adult Literacy: Supporting Adults in Dyslexia and Literacy and the Surrey Open College Network Certificate
21 credits at level 3 (credits are equivalent to NVQ level 3 credits).

Q

Who accredits the course, and at what level?

A

Accreditation at Level 3, will be by Surrey and Region Open College Network.
 

What if I am ill or have a crisis at home?

In special circumstances you will be given time and opportunity to make up the work or submit alternative evidence of your understanding, but only in consultation with your tutor.
 

What if I feel I have been unfairly treated?

You must first discuss this with the course leader. If you are still unhappy your grievance will be discussed with the Programme Coordinator. Unresolved issues will be passed on to the Head of Training at the Dyslexia Institute and then to a senior person on the Dyslexia Institute Management team. An external moderator will be consulted if necessary.

Do I need to submit every piece of work satisfactorily?

You should complete all assignments to the required standard and within two weeks of the assignment being set.
If your work does not meet the required standard you will be given advice from your tutor and given one opportunity to resubmit individual assignments. You will be given four weeks from when the original assignment was set to resubmit. This should not happen often and will take place only after discussion and agreement with your course tutor.

Does the course include in the price of £900 the Adult Literacy Programme CD-ROM worth £250?

Yes it does.  You get a programme disc and a set of the printed workbooks.  You are given a licence for the duration of the course and then a licence for a year if you pass the course.  The licence is then renewable each year for the current price of £50.  If you do not pass the teaching element, your licence for the programme will not be extended.