Module 1. About Learning Difficulties

Introduction

This training program is designed to support the teaching and learning of foreign languages by adults who have a learning difficulty.

The terminology of learning difficulties differs over time and also with respect to jurisdiction. When considering terminology, account also should be taken of the preferences of a particular individual or group of individuals with a specific difficulty or disability.

Module 1 will focus on different types of learning difficulties. There will be a definition and description of the types of difficulties that may exist and also the impact that these may have when learning a foreign language.

These descriptions are intended to be brief descriptions of the different learning difficulties and are not intended to be exhaustive or are they able to reflect the nuance of different individuals with the same “diagnosis”. It is therefore very important that when working with any learner with a learning difficulty that there is an overall assessed diagnosis is the first “signpost” in considering the types of learning challenges that they may face, the needs that they have, and the types of strategies and supports that will assist them in a foreign language learning setting.

There are some issues that will likely affect all learners with any type of learning difficulty, for example their confidence or preconceived ideas about their potential or ability to learn a foreign language.

Equally there will very likely be learners who have more than one type of learning difficulty and although there are specific issues to consider for each, often there is a great degree of commonality in terms of the learning needs and effective support strategies.

Learning Outcomes

After completing this Module the learner will have an overview of the most common learning difficulties which may present in a classroom. These descriptions will enable better understanding of the nature of these learning difficulties and how these difficulties can present in the classroom.

Duration

Approximate time which learners will need to go through the Module 1 is one hour

Requirements

There are no specific requirements to do this Module. The only necessary thing is a computer and internet connection.