Psychology (PSYC) 589

Introduction

This three-credit graduate level course is designed to increase your awareness of learning disabilities from a number of viewpoints and theoretical perspectives. While the course emphasizes understanding the issues surrounding the field of learning disabilities, it also examines assessment and remediation of learning and behaviour problems. Topics range from legislation pertaining to learning disabilities to providing services to individuals with learning disabilities

Learning Outcomes

When you have completed Psychology/Educational Psychology 589: Learning Disabilities: Issues and Interventions, you will be able to:

1. explain the definitions, themes, characteristics, contributing factors, and historical perspectives related to learning disabilities
2. analyze the personal experiences of those working with individuals with learning disabilities based on current literature
3. discuss the roles played by various medical and educational models
4. clarify identification techniques, and describe the different assessment tools that are available
5. analyze the contributions of theorists developing an understanding of learning disabilities
6. discuss how an understanding of the issues and dilemmas of learning disabilities on young children, adolescents, and adults can inform one’s practice as an educator or caregiver
7. explore issues related to learning disabilities, and analyze how the findings could be used by professionals working with individuals with learning disabilities
8. integrate case material, and formulate treatment programs
9. analyze evaluation techniques related to learning disabilities
10. critically assess reading material related to learning disabilities
11. integrate theory, research, and professional practice within the field of learning disabilities

Outline

• Unit 1 Foundations of Learning Disabilities
• Unit 2 Medical Perspective
• Unit 3 ADHD
• Unit 4 Assessment
• Unit 5 Educational Settings and Services
• Unit 6 Teaching Theories and Practices
• Unit 7 Oral Communication
• Unit 8 Reading
• Unit 9 Written Communication
• Unit 10 Mathematics
• Unit 11 Social and Emotional Behaviour
• Unit 12 The Family and Learning Disabilities
• Unit 13 Early Identification and Intervention
• Unit 14 Adolescents and Adults with Learning Disabilities
• Unit 15 Technology and Learning Disabilities

Student Evaluation

To receive credit for Psychology 589: Learning Disabilities - Issues and Interventions, you must participate in weekly discussion forums, write a research paper, and complete a course project. All course assignments must be completed in order to receive credit for the course. You must achieve a grade of at least 60% on the course project, and an overall course grade of at least 60%. The following table summarizes the evaluation activities and the credit weight associated with each activity.