Overview
  • Overview
  • Programme Structure
  • Modules
  • Time Table
  • Entry Requirements

Specialist Diploma in Specific Learning Differences

Course Description

 

Discover an exciting learning journey with the DAS Academy and join us in our mission to make a difference in the lives of people with specific learning differences.

 

This Specialist Diploma is designed by the DAS Academy and is registered with the Committee for Private Education (CPE) - part of SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG). It is also recognised by the Register of Educational Therapist (ASIA) [RETA].

 

The Specialist Diploma in SpLD is a full-time/part-time programme and can be completed in a minimum of 12 months and a maximum of 36 months. For the award of the Specialist Diploma in Specific Learning Differences, participants have to successfully complete six modules.

 

Each module is slated to run twice a year. Students are allowed to apply for intermission of studies, should the need arises, and continue taking the module in the following run within the maximum term.

 

Upcoming Preview

 

Wed, 8 Sep 2018, 10:00am to 12:00pm. Please click here to register.

 

Intakes

 

Students can enter the course at the start of any of the first 5 modules.

 

Application Period

 

Application is always open. Applications must be submitted at least 1 month before the start of any of the first 5 modules. 

 

Teacher-Student Ratio

 

This programme has a student-teacher ratio of 1:35.

  

Graduation

 

To attain the Specialist Diploma in Specific Learning Differences, the student must have obtained a pass for all module assessment(s) (Modules 1 –  6). Students have up to 3 years (from commencement of the core/first module) to complete the Specialist Diploma in SpLD.

 

More Information

 

Information about the Specialist Diploma such as Module Information, Time Table and Entry Criteria can be viewed by clicking the tabs above.

 

Students and graduates of the Specialist Diploma programme have enjoyed the curriculum and praised delivery of the content. Click here to read what they say!
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Fees

 

Course Fees: $5,029 (inclusive of GST)

 

Non-refundable Application Fee: $32.10 (inclusive of GST)

 

Late Payment Fee: $32.10 (inclusive of GST)

 

Accreditation of Prior Learning - Non-refundable APL processing fee: $53.50.

 

If you have previously undertaken any of the modules as certificate courses that make up the Specialist Diploma (e.g. Certificate in Dyslexia & Literacy Teaching) or its equivalent within the last three years, you may be exempted from part of the Specialist Diploma via Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL). This will prevent you from duplicating study which has been previously completed.

 

  • EFFECTIVE CURRICULUM

    Building on the established Special Educational Needs (SEN) framework from the University of South Wales, the programme is imbued with local perspectives to ensure relevance in the Singaporean context.

     

    Students will appreciate learning the theory from a fusion of Eastern and Westen SEN practices. The intellectually rigorous context allows practioners to develop their skills of communication, critical thinking and research in the field of SEN at the Master's level.

     

    The Master of Arts in Special Educational Needs (MA SEN) will provide a huge boost in academic and professional development for teachers, allied educators, parents and anyone looking to further their knowledge in supporting individuals with special learning needs.

  • EXPERIENCED LECTURERS

    With more than 10 years of practical experience each, DAS Academy lecturers share their experiences in suppporting children with learning differences.

     

    Lecturers from the University of South Wales (UK) will also visit during term-time for each module, ensuring that students receive a balanced view of their syllabus from both local and international perspectives.

  • INTERACTIVE & COLLABORATIVE LEARNING

    Lesson formats engages students by having lively discussions and outside perspectives by guest lecturers will make for an enriching classroom experience for everyone.

     

    The Master of Arts in Special Educational Needs (MA SEN) programme utilises a variety of classroom styles to provide the best learning environment for our students. These styles include: lecture-style teaching, group discussions, sharing sessions as well as invited guest lecturers who will share about their experiences in supporting individuals with special educational needs.

     

    At the end of the taught lectures, students are expected to engage in independent study and to initiate contact with their lecturers to maintain the momentum of learning.

Programme Structure

Dyslexia and Literacy Teaching  
Written Exam, Lesson Planning and Oral Test (on the last day of the module)
Educational Psychology   
In-class Quiz (on the last day of the module)
Supporting SpLD Learners in Advanced Literacy
Design a Teaching Resource & Reflective Paper (due 15 working days after the last day of the module)  
Dyscalculia and Numeracy Teaching  
Design a Teaching Resource & Reflective Paper (due 15 working days after the last day of the module)
Understanding Speech and Language Impairment
In-class Open-book Written Test (on the last day of the module)
Specific Learning Differences in Practice
Teaching Portfolio (after 10 hours of teaching practicum)

 

Assessments

 

All module assessments are compulsory. Some of the assessments are undertaken during the lecturing time frame while others require students to submit at a stipulated time.

 

Potential deadlines for certain assessments (period in brackets) are listed in the table above. These periods however are subject to changes.

 

All assessments (where applicable) are to be submitted to student.services@dasacademy.edu.sg, except for physical portfolios which are to be submitted in person at the DAS Academy (Rex House). All assessments are due by 5:30pm (1730hrs) on the specified due date.

 

 

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Modules

For the award of the Specialist Diploma in Specific Learning Differences, students have to complete 6 modules. The Specialist Diploma is delivered on weekday evenings and/or Saturdays, twice a week with a total of 130 contact hours for the entire diploma.

 

Module Description

 

Please click here to learn more about the modules.

 

Dates of Upcoming Modules

 

Module No. Module Title Dates Time
1 Dyslexia and Literacy Teaching

2018 Run 2: 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 & 26 November 2018

 

2019 Run 1: 5, 12, 19, 26 Jan & 2, 9 Feb 2019

Run 1: 9.30am – 5.30pm

Run 2: 9.30am – 5.30pm
2 Educational Psychology

2018 Run 2: 3, 10, 17. 24 & 31 October 2018

 

2019 Run 1: 13, 20, 27 February 2019 & 6, 13 March 2019

Run 1: 6.30pm – 9.30pm


Run 2: 6.30pm – 9.30pm
3 Supporting SpLD Learners in Advanced Literacy

Run 1: 8, 9, 11 & 12 January 2018


Run 2: 27 June, 4, 11, 18, 25 July & 1, 15 August 2018

Run 1: (8, 9, 11) 9.30am – 4.30pm (12) 9.30am – 12.30pm


Run 2: 6.30pm – 9.30pm
4 Dyscalculia and Numeracy Teaching

Run 1: 3, 9, 10, 16 & 17 May 2018


Run 2: 3, 4 & 5 September 2018

Run 1: 9.30am – 12.30pm


Run 2: (3, 4) 9.30am – 4.30pm (5) 9.30am – 12.30pm
5 Understanding Speech and Language Impairment

Run 1: 21 & 28 April 2018


Run 2: 18 & 25 August 2018

Run 1: 9.30am – 6.00pm


Run 2: 9.30am – 6.00pm
 6

Specific Learning Differences in Practice
(upon completion of Module 1 – 5)

March 2018
June 2018
September 2018
December 2018

 Students who have successfully completed modules 1- 5 will be invited to attend the practicum module briefing.

 

Module Descriptions are on the blue section below. Please swipe left and right to view information for each module.

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  • Module 1

    Dyslexia and Literacy Teaching

    42 hours hours

    Students will be introduced to dyslexia principles behind an effective teaching approach and the building blocks of literacy. Content includes structure of the English language, phonics-based instruction, oracy and reading fluency. Students will be taught to apply the content in the context of lesson planning and delivery.

     

    Assessments: Oral test, written test and lesson planning.

     

    Click here to view more information on this module

  • Module 2

    Educational Psychology

    15 hours hours

    This module introduces students to the application of psychology in education. Specific topics covered include controversies and myths in education, developmental theories as well as issues in intelligence testing. Participants will be equipped with an understanding of educational psychology and its impact on parenting, teaching and learning styles.

     

    Assessment: In-class Quiz (on the last day of the course).

     

    Click here to view more information on this module

  • Module 3

    Supporting SpLD Learners in Advanced Literacy

    21 hours hours

    This module introduces students to higher order skills and these include morphology, reading beyond phonics, comprehension, grammar, writing, study skills, as well as self-esteem development.

     

    Assessment: Design a Teaching Resource & Reflective Paper (due 15 working days after last day of the course)

     

    Click here to view more information on this module

  • Module 4

    Dyscalculia and Numeracy Teaching

    15 hours hours

    Students will understand and support learners who have difficulties in learning mathematics. Content includes understanding dyscalculia, learning differences relating to mathematics, identifying and assessing individual needs, and techniques to support learners.

     

    Assessment: Design a Teaching Resource & Reflective Paper (due 15 working days after last day of the course).

     

    Click here to view more information on this module

  • Module 5

    Understanding Speech and Language Impairment

    12 hours hours

    Students will be provided the theoretical knowledge of speech and language, and the typical developmental milestones from birth to adulthood. Students will also learn the effects on learners’ receptive and expressive language, social, emotional and behavioural needs, and how to set appropriate goals and incorporate these strategies in their classroom teaching practice.

     

    Assessment: In-class Open-book Written Test (on the last day of the course).

     

    Click here to view more information on this module

  • Module 6

    Specific Learning Differences in Practice

    5 hours of contact time with the Module Leader hours

    Promoting independent study, this module will guide students in embarking on a practicum project that consists of 10 one-hour lesson plans that focus on supporting a struggling learner beyond basic phonics-based instruction. Reflective practice and looking at intervention using SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound) targets are key features of this module.

     

    Assessment: Teaching Practicum Portfolio.

Time Table

 

For the award of the Specialist Diploma in Specific Learning Differences, students have to complete 6 modules. The Specialist Diploma is delivered on weekday evenings and/or Saturdays, twice a week with a total of 130 contact hours for the entire diploma.

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Module Timetable

Module Hours Start Date Time
Module 1
Dyslexia and Literacy Teaching		 42 hours hours
Module 2
Educational Psychology		 15 hours hours
Module 3
Supporting SpLD Learners in Advanced Literacy		 21 hours hours
Module 4
Dyscalculia and Numeracy Teaching		 15 hours hours
Module 5
Understanding Speech and Language Impairment		 12 hours hours
Module 6
Specific Learning Differences in Practice		 5 hours of contact time with the Module Leader hours

Entry Requirement

Minimum Age: 18 years old

Academic Level: Minimum 5 GCE ‘O’ level passes, or equivalent

Language Proficiency: GCE ‘O’ Level pass in English Language as the 1st Language, or equivalent

  

Applications can be submitted online or by mail.

 

By mail: Please mail the application and application fee (cheque payment only) to:

DAS Academy Ltd
73 Bukit Timah Road
#05-01 Rex House
Singapore 229832

 

Closing Date

For updated information on the closing date, please contact DAS Academy.

For more details, please contact the DAS Academy at info@dasacademy.edu.sg.

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