Course Outline

Thecourse consists of five Modules, each with one assignment:

MODULE 1: DYSLEXIA AND ITS CAUSES

What is dyslexia?
Dyslexia and how to recognize it in a pupil or student. Possible symptoms in more detail. What to do if a child presents with a number of symptoms. Compensating strengths. Etc.

The Causes of Dyslexia.
Inherited factors. Hearing problems at an early age. A combination of inherited factors and hearing loss. Learning strategies can make a huge difference. Etc.

MODULE 2: LEARNING STRATEGIES

Building Phonemic Awareness Skills (using letter sounds)
The sounds of the letters . Phonemic awareness games. The initial letter sound. Reading for pleasure and the 'Golden Rule'. Using cards. Short words with single sounds. Using these sounds. Etc.

Building Self-confidence
Recognizing low self-confidence. Teachers' perception of dyslexia. Using cognitive therapy. Confidence-building exercise. The child seen in a new light. Increasing motivation. Positive worksheets and exercises. Building on strengths. Etc.

Building Successful Learning Strategies and Study Skills
Posture and pencil grip. Cursive handwriting. Classroom seating position. Learning spellings. Short-term memory exercises. Spacing words. Study skills for students and adults. How to read a difficult book. Skimming. Giving presentations. Students writing essays. Basic guidelines for concentration. Setting aside a place for work and study. Dividing work into small, short-range sub-goals. Time scheduling. Taking notes. Etc.

MODULE 3: TEACHING STRATEGIES AND ASSESSMENT

Building successful Teaching Strategies
Multi-sensory teaching methods. Classroom adaptations. Giving homework. Games and activities. Positive worksheets and exercises. Provision of extra support or special services. Avoiding embarrassment. Helping dyslexic children of above average intelligence. Helping dyslexic children who are being bullied. Helping with fine motor control. Helping children come to terms with dyslexia. Helping with attention difficulties (ADD and ADHD). Helping with confusions caused by difficulties with laterality. Helping the dyslexic pupil lead a balanced life. Helping dyslexic students decode information. Typical errors in dyslexic children's writing. Dyscalculia. Etc.

Testing and Assessment Methods for Dyslexic Pupils
Testing for possible dyslexia. Screening tests. Comprehensive tests. Comprehensive testing by a psychologist. Etc.

Assessment and Examination Accommodations for dyslexic pupils
Use of a word-processor. Dealing with spelling errors. Oral testing. Untimed tests. Accepting dictated answers. Other alternative assessment methods. Using short-answer or multi-choice testing. Providing model answers. Etc.

MODULE 4: PARENTS AND HOMEWORK

How Parents can Help with Homework Strategies
How to hear a child read. Finding information about dyslexia. Finding a supportive friend in the same class. Building up sequencing skills. Self-checking spellings. Making use of visual strengths. Building local contacts. Reversals. Irlen Syndrome. Home-School Associations. Help for the left-handed child or student. Private tutors. Etc.

MODULE 5: MATH/S AND TECHNOLOGY

Building Skills in Math/s
Dyslexia and math/s. Learning the basics of 1 - 100. Multiplication tables. Mental arithmetic. Verbalizing numbers. Improving self-confidence by using a calculator. Using real coins. Etc.

Using Supportive Technology
Using a word processor. Using a talking and spelling word processor. Using a voice recognition program. Using a pocket Spellchecker. Using an encyclopedia on CD-Rom. Using a talking word processor to read out text. Using a talking browser to read out web pages. Using a talking pen to read words. Etc.

Appendix 'A' - Contents of the Audio CD-Rom

Appendix 'B' - Additional recommended books for students who wish to pursue the subject in greater depth.

Appendix 'C' - Assignments for the Regular or Standard Route

What is the difference between the Certificate and the Parents' courses?