Difficulties in literacy development E801 Presentation pattern October to September Programme information
The masters degree has over 3000 students and offers professional qualifications for
students who have some experience of teaching, the education advisory service, educational administration or an allied field. The usual entry requirement is either a bachelors degree (in any subject area) or its equivalent; or successful completion of an Advanced Diploma in Education, an OU Certificate in Continuing Professional Development (now discontinued), or Qualified Teacher Status and at least three years’ teaching experience. Applicants without these qualifications, but with substantial relevant professional experience may also be admitted.
Students usually need to be able to work with learners, but not necessarily in a formal teaching situation. They are encouraged to relate the content of the modules to their own experiences and to develop skills of independent study and enquiry. Students on the
programme are attached to an associate lecturer who provides group tutorials and individual support by telephone, correspondence and email. You would not usually have more than fifteen students and will be expected to assess four to six pieces of work from each. Module description
Teachers and other educational professionals will find this module particularly useful. It aims to raise the standard of all students’ literacy levels and increase awareness of the barriers to learning some students face. They will explore and reflect on appropriate curriculum
responses to the needs of children as well as the wider issues relevant to adults who
experience difficulty in literacy development. The module can be taken as part of the masters in education or on its own for a Postgraduate Certificate in Professional Studies in Education. It can also lead to accreditation by the British Dyslexia Association.
Person specification
The person specification for this module should be read in conjunction with the generic person specificationfor an associate lecturer at The Open University.
As well as meeting all the requirements set out in the generic person specification, you should have:
qualified teacher status
qualifications at masters level or above in literacy difficulties or literacy or special educational needs
research experience at postgraduate level
recent relevant experience of working with pupils or students who experience difficulties in learning
awareness and understanding of conceptual issues related to the area of literacy difficulties
willingness to engage with elearning and the VLE. It would be an advantage to have:
Associate Membership of the British Dyslexia Association
Module related details - a full explanation can be found on the website
Credits awarded to the student for the successful
completion of a module: 60
Number of assignments submitted by the student: 4 Method of submission for assignments: 1a
Level of ICT requirements: 2
Number of students likely to be in a standard group: 15
Salary band: 5
