Professional Development Award: Strategies to Facilitate Inclusive Learning and Working - SCQF Level 9

Course overview

This programme has been designed for education and training practitioners who are actively involved in the support of learners and employees.  Whether you are a subject lecturer, teacher, access and inclusion co-ordinator, student services manager, assistive technologist, trainer or involved in developing work colleagues/other staff, this programme provides an opportunity for continuing professional development for candidates to develop a critical understanding of the principles of equality, diversity and inclusiveness in the creation of inclusive learning and working environments. 

It introduces you to the concept of developing inclusive teaching and support strategies for individuals through the effective use of assistive technologies and non-technological approaches that advance equality and widen access for all.

The principal context for this programme is the teaching and learning environment.  You will need access to a workplace where evidence to meet the learning outcomes can be generated.  The programme has been designed for education and training practitioners who are actively involved in the support of learners and employees.

What you will learn

This Professional Development Award comprises two units of learning.

Single Unit: Facilitate Inclusive Learning and Working (SCQF level 9):

• Introduction/Understanding Equality, Diversity and Inclusiveness in context
• Mainstreaming Equalities, Diversity and Inclusiveness
• Evaluating the impact of current practice
• Exploring barriers and identifying strategies for inclusive learning/working
• Accessible materials and alternative formats
• Strategies to support mental health
• Literacy and study support
• Strategies for sensory-impaired students
• Written assignment
• Evaluative assistive and non-technological folio

Double Unit: Implement Inclusiveness Through Needs-Led Assessment (SCQF level 9):

• Introduction/inclusive needs assessment
• Remote assessing
• Facilitating inclusive assessment of need
• Applying effective strategies for needs assessment-reporting
• Strategies to reduce barriers
• Evaluating own practice
• Needs assessment reporting
• Ongoing professional development opportunities
• Written assignment
• Needs Assessment Report Folio

Placement information

• No placement is included as candidates must already be working in an education and training organisation where evidence to meet the learning outcomes can be generated.

How the course is assessed

Your success in this course is dependent on the timely completion of a range of formative assignments.  Assignments based on practice, using written/documentary evidence, oral questioning, or professional discussion are required.

The completion of a Needs Assessment Portfolio with a self-reflective log and an assistive technology and support folio is also required.  Needs Assessment Reports should be presented to a professional standard, and be technically and factually accurate, using a formal structure.  Candidates must analyse information reflectively and reach sound conclusions on which to base recommendations for support and or technology.

Candidates will also need to provide evidence of having undertaken needs-led assessments for a minimum of 4 individuals with different needs.

Number of days per week

This award is delivered online through the Edinburgh College Virtual Learning Environment, Moodle, using a combination of lecturer-mediated discussions, web resources, self-study resources and the option of mentored support.

You will have the opportunity to communicate with your course tutor or fellow students through the general discussion forum as well as meeting’ live’ with colleagues and tutors via the Virtual Classroom where you will be able to listen, discuss and interact with the whole class.

The course tutor provides full support and guidance to ensure smooth access as well as providing feedback and a point of contact for any queries throughout the delivery of the course.

The course is delivered via a series of ‘Live’ and recorded webinars (web-based seminars), each lasting up to 90 minutes.  A generic link to the course is shared with candidates directly and on the Moodle course page.

Entry requirements

Candidates must have access to a workplace where evidence to meet the learning outcomes can be generated. This is likely to be an educational setting such as a college or university.

Candidates will already be employed in one of the following capacities:

• Subject lecturer
• Teacher
• Access and inclusion co-ordinator
• Student services manager
• Assistive technologist
• Trainer
• Staff development practitioner

Progression and Articulation Routes

This is a Professional Development Award designed to meet the development needs of current practitioners who wish to develop a critical understanding of the principles of equality, diversity and inclusiveness in the creation of inclusive learning and working environments.

Career options

Candidates will already be employed in one of the following capacities:

• Subject lecturer
• Teacher
• Access and inclusion co-ordinator
• Student services manager
• Assistive technologist
• Trainer
• Staff development practitioner

Candidates can move on to a person-centred needs assessment role where they can focus on completing contextualised needs assessments working within a practice focused on inclusiveness.