An introductory 200-level psychology or a junior social science course is recommended but not required.
Precluded:
PSYC 589 is a cross-listed course—a course available in two different disciplines—with PSYC 389 and EDPY 389. PSYC 589 cannot be taken for credit if credit has already been obtained for PSYC 389 or EDPY 389.
Students in Group Study courses are advised that this syllabus may vary in key details in each instance of the course. Always refer to the Moodle site for the most up-to-date details on texts, assignment structure, and grading.**
Overview
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
Outline
Unit 1: Learning Disabilities and Related Disabilities
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: Related Disabilities: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Unit 8: Young Children with Disabilities
Unit 9: Adolescents and Adults with Learning Disabilities and Related Disabilities
Unit 10: Understanding the Laws Related to Students with Disabilities
Unit 11: Spoken Language Difficulties
Unit 12: Reading Difficulties
Unit 13: Written Language Difficulties
Unit 14: Mathematical Difficulties
Learning outcomes
When you have completed PSYC 589, you will be able to do the following:
Explain the definitions, themes, characteristics, and contributing factors related to learning disabilities and associated difficulties.
Identify assessment strategies and describe the different assessment tools that are available.
Analyze the contributions of theorists developing 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 a case study complete with assessment and intervention strategies.
Critically find and assess reading material and online content related to learning disabilities.
Integrate theory, research, and professional practice in the field of learning disabilities.
Evaluation
To receive credit for PSYC 589, you must complete four journals, participate in the Discussion Forum, complete the Course Project, and write a Research Paper. You must achieve a grade of least D (50 percent) on the Course Project and an overall course grade of at least 50%. The following table summarizes the evaluation activities and the credit weight associated with each activity.
Activity
Weight
Journals
25%
Discussion Forum
25%
Course Project
25%
Literature Review
25%
Total
100%
Materials
Learner, J., & Johns, B. (2015). Learning Disabilities and Related Disabilities Strategies for Success (13th Edition). Cengage Learning. (eText)
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.