Key facts

UNE unit code: EDSP100

*You are viewing the 2027 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.

Start
  • Trimester 1 - Online
  • Trimester 2 - On Campus
  • Trimester 2 - Online
Campus
  • Armidale Campus
24/7 online support
  • Yes
Intensive schools
  • No
Supervised exam
  • Yes
Credit points
  • 6

Unit information

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Teaching students with learning difficulties and disabilities requires additional professional skills. When you study this unit you will learn about the defining features of learning difficulties and develop your teaching practice so you know how best to respond to, and effectively educate, the students in your classroom.

This unit explores a range of physical impairments, neurological and/or psychological disorders, and developmental conditions that may be present in your students. You will be introduced to the common types, characteristics, names and terminology used in educational settings when managing students with one or more of these conditions.

You will complete reflective exercises which will broaden your understanding of how children with special needs can be included in mainstream classes and investigate the resources which will empower you to be inclusive.

Offerings

For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.

Teaching period
Mode/location
Trimester 1Online
Trimester 2On Campus, Armidale Campus
Trimester 2Online

*Offering is subject to availability

Intensive schools

There are no intensive schools required for this unit.

Enrolment rules

Pre-requisites
candidature in BEdStuds or BEd(InServConv) or BSpecIncEd(Prim) or Pathways Enabling Course or TRACKS course; or candidature from 2024 in BEd(SecArts) or BEd(ECEC) Rule C or BEd(K-12 Teach).
Co-requisites
None
Restrictions
EDSP323

Notes

Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.

Unit coordinator(s)

profile photo of Ingrid Harrington
Ingrid HarringtonCoordinator CSSP program - Faculty of Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences and Education; School of Education

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:

  1. identify characteristics and features between learning difficulties and learning disabilities categorized as either a physical impairment, neurological and/or psychological disorder, and developmental conditions;
  2. understand how the defining features of learning difficulties and learning disabilities influence any intervention response;
  3. understand the complexity of how learning difficulties and learning disabilities may present in different individuals in different contexts; and
  4. understand the resources available to manage and respond best to students presenting with either learning difficulties and/or learning disabilities.

Assessment information

Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

TitleMust CompleteWeightOfferingsAssessment Notes
Assessment 1Yes25%All offerings

Written task.

No. Words: 1000

Assessment 2Yes25%All offerings

Written task

No. Words: 1000

Assessment 3 - Assurance TaskYes50%All offerings

Examination

It is mandatory to pass this assessment in order to pass the unit.

No. Words: 2000 (equivalent)

Learning resources

Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.

Note: Students are expected to purchase prescribed material. Please note that textbook requirements may vary from one teaching period to the next.

Commonsense Methods for Children with Special Needs and Disabilities

ISBN: 9781032984384

Westwood, P., Routledge 9th Ed. 2025

Note: An ebook is available: ISBN:9781040334126

Text refers to: All offerings

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Studying online

At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.

We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*

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UNE’s flexibility and support made the transition smooth and helped me find a great balance between academic responsibilities and personal growth. It was the perfect place to study education while staying true to my rural roots.

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