Psychology (PSYC) 389

Learning Disabilities: Issues and Interventions (Revision 11)

Status:

Open

Delivery mode:

Individualized study online with eText. Delivered via Brightspace.

Credits:

Areas of study:

Arts or Social Science

Prerequisites:

An introductory 200-level psychology or a junior social science course is recommended but not required.

Course start date:

If you are a:

Self-funded student: register by the 10th of the month, start on the 1st of the next.
Funded student: please check the next enrolment deadline and course start date.

Precluded:

PSYC 389 is a cross-listed course—a course available in two different disciplines—with EDPY 389. PSYC 389 cannot be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained for EDPY 389. PSYC 389 can be taken for graduate-level credit as PSYC 589 in the MAIS program. Credit cannot be received for both PSYC 389 and PSYC 589.

Challenge:

PSYC 389 is not available for challenge.

Faculty:

Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

Overview

This three-credit undergraduate-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.

Outline

Unit 1: Learning Disabilities—Characteristics and Current Directions
Unit 2: Assessment and the IEP Process
Unit 3: Specialized Instruction and Technology
Unit 4: Educational Settings and the Role of the Family
Unit 5: Theories of Learning
Unit 6: Social, Emotional, and Behavioural Challenges
Unit 7: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Unit 8: Young Children With Disabilities
Unit 9: Adolescents and Adults With Learning Disabilities
Unit 10: Understanding the Laws Related to Students With Disabilities
Unit 11: Spoken Language Difficulties—Listening and Speaking
Unit 12: Reading Difficulties
Unit 13: Written Language Difficulties—Written Expression, Spelling, and Handwriting
Unit 14: Mathematics Difficulties

Learning outcomes

When you have completed PSYC 389, you will be able to do the following:

explain the definitions, themes, characteristics, and contributing factors related to learning disabilities and associated challenges,
identify assessment strategies and describe the different assessment tools that are available,
analyze the contributions of theorists who developed an understanding of how to teach students with learning disabilities,
discuss issues in the field of learning disabilities and their impact on young children, adolescents, and adults,
develop case studies complete with assessment and intervention strategies,
find and critically assess reading material and online content related to learning disabilities, and
integrate theory, research, and professional practice in the field of learning disabilities.

Evaluation

To receive credit for PSYC 389, you must complete a Study Plan, submit five Reflective Journals, participate in the Discussion Forums, and complete the Course Project. You must also achieve a grade of at least D (50 percent) on every assignment. The following table summarizes the evaluation activities and the credit weight associated with each activity.

Activity	Weight
Study Plan	0%
Reflective Journals (5)	40%
Participation in Discussion Forums	20%
Course Project	40%
Total	100%

To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.

Athabasca University reserves the right to amend course outlines occasionally and without notice. Courses offered by other delivery methods may vary from their individualized study counterparts.

Opened in Revision 11, January 17, 2024

Updated January 17, 2024

View previous revision

Psychology (PSYC) 389

Overview

Outline

Learning outcomes

Evaluation

Materials

eText

Important links