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. Students are expected to complete 2 compulsory modules and allowed to select the other 3 elective modules based on their preferences. Students must pass all assessments for all 5 taught modules, in order to proceed with the practicum module to complete the Specialist Diploma. In other words, all assignments are submitted as required under the Specialist Diploma. Modules are designed to run consecutively, and students should complete the Specialist Diploma within 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 of 3 years.

 

Upcoming Programme Preview

 

Sat, 6 Apr 2019, 10:00am to 11:30am. 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: $5,136 (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

    This Specialist Diploma has been designed by the DAS Academy and is registered with the Committee for Private Education (CPE) - part of SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) in Singapore as a part-time/full-time programme. This Specialist Diploma is also recognised by the Register of Educational Therapist (ASIA) [RETA].

     

    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.

  • 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 Specialist Diploma in Specific Learning Differences 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

Compulsory Modules  

Understanding Dyslexia
Dyslexia and Literacy Teaching
Elective A Modules (Choose 2)   

Educational Psychology
Understanding Speech, Language and Communication Needs
Dyscalculia and Numeracy Teaching
Dyslexia and Chinese Language Support
IEP Planning for SpLD Learners 
Supporting SpLD Learners in English Language Exam Skills
Supporting SpLD Learners in FEHE
Teaching Morphology to SpLD Learners
Elective B Modules (Choose 1)
Supporting SpLD Learners in Advanced English Literacy Skills
Supporting SpLD Learners in Advanced Chinese Literacy Skills
Supporting At-risk Preschoolers in Literacy 
Practicum Module  
Specific Differences in Practice (10-hours intervention, 5 consultation hours with supervisor)

 

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. Compulsory Modules Dates Time
1 Understanding Dyslexia

27 July, 3, 17, 24, 31 August 2019

9.30am - 12.30pm
2 Dyslexia and Literacy Teaching

5, 12, 19, 26 Jan & 2, 9 Feb 2019

9.30am – 5.30pm

 

Module No. Elective A - Choose 2 Modules Dates Time
1 Educational Psychology

Run 2: 26 October 2019 & 6, 13 March 2019

Run 2: 6.30pm – 9.30pm
2 Understanding Speech, Language and Communication Needs

Run 1: 4 & 11 May 2019

Run 2: 21 & 28 September 2019

Run 1: 9.30am – 6.00pm

Run 2: 9.30am – 6.00pm
3 Dyscalculia and Numeracy Teaching

Run 2: 26, 27, 28 March 2019

Run 3: 2, 8, 9, 15, 16 May 2019

Run 4: 9, 10, 11 September 2019

 

Run 2: (26, 27) 9.30am - 4.30pm, (28) 9.30am - 12.30pm

Run 3: 9.30m - 4.30pm

Run 4: (9, 10) 9.30am - 4.30pm, (11) 9.30am - 12.30pm

 
4 Dyslexia and Chinese Language Support

25, 26, 27 June 2019

(25, 26) 9.30am - 4.30pm, (27) 9.30am - 12.30pm
5 IEP Planning for SpLD Learners

21, 22, 23 March 2019

(21, 22) 9.30am - 4.30pm, (23) 9.30am - 12.30pm
6

Supporting SpLD Learners in English language Exam Skills

Run 1: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 April 2019

Run 2: 11, 12, 13 September 2019

Run 1: 9.30am - 12.30pm

Run 2: (11) 1.30pm - 4.30pm, (12, 13) 9.30am - 4.30pm) 
7 Supporting SpLD Learners in FEHE

3, 4 June 2019

 9.30am to 6.00pm
8 Teaching Morphology to SpLD Learners 5, 12, 19 October 2019 (5, 12) 9.30am - 4.30pm, (19) 9.30am - 12.30pm 

 

Module No. Elective B - Choose 1 Module Dates Time
1 Supporting SpLD Learners in Advanced English Literacy Skills

 6, 13, 20, 27 July 2019

(6, 13, 20) 9.30am - 4.30pm, (27) 6.30pm – 9.30pm
2 Supporting SpLD Learners in Advanced Chinese Literacy Skills

25, 26, 27, 28 November

(25, 26, 27) 9.30am - 4.30pm, (28) 9.30am - 12.30pm
3 Supporting At-risk Preschoolers in Literacy

20, 27 April, 4, 11 May 2019

 (20, 27, 4) 9.30am - 4.30pm, (11) 9.30am - 12.30pm

 

                 Practicum Module Dates Time
1 Specific Learning Differences in Practice

3 June 2019
2 September 2019
2 December 2019

Specific Differences in Practice (10-hours intervention, 5 consultation hours with supervisor)
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  • Module 1

    Understanding Dyslexia

    15 hours

    Compulsory Module
    This module introduces participants to a broad overview of Dyslexia, a specific learning difficulty. It serves as a useful foundation to understand more about this specific learning difficulty and the support of dyslexic students. It provides a stepping stone for participants to build on their theoretical knowledge of dyslexia before acquiring the necessary practical skills.

     

    Assessments: In-class Quiz

     

    Click here to view more information on this module

  • Module 2

    Dyslexia and Literacy Teaching

    42 hours

    This module aims to introduce students to dyslexia and language acquisition deficiencies. Content includes understanding the structure of the English language, phonics knowledge and application, oral support and reading fluency, conceptual teaching and planning, and lesson planning and delivery.

     

    Assessments: Written Exam, Lesson Planning and Oral Test

     

    Click here to view more information on this module

  • Module 3

    Educational Psychology

    15 hours

    Elective A Module
    This module focuses on how humans learn in educational settings and the psychology of teaching. Specific theories taught include Jean Piaget's theory of cognitive development, Albert Bandura's social cognitive theory, and constructivism.

     

    Assessment: In-class Quiz.

     

    Click here to view more information on this module

  • Module 4

    Dyscalculia and Numeracy Teaching

    15 hours

    Elective A Module
    This module aims to enable students to 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, and a 750-1,000 word reflective essay.

     

    Click here to view more information on this module

  • Module 5

    Understanding Speech, Language and Communication Needs

    15 hours

    This module aims to provide participants with an overview of Speech, Language and Communication Disorders and explore classroom management and teaching strategies that support learners with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN). Areas covered include assessment, intervention, case studies and individual targets, and strategies for lesson planning.

     

    Assessment: In-class Written Test (Open-book)).

     

    Click here to view more information on this module

  • Module 6

    Dyslexia and Chinese Language Support

    15 hours

    Elective A Module
    This module exposes students to the current research on dyslexia and Chinese language, as well as pedagogical approaches to support children with language learning difficulties. Students will also be introduced to strategies that can actively engage children in building literacy skills such as orthographic and morphological awareness, stroke formation and patterns, oracy skills, comprehension and writing. This module will be conducted in Chinese, with some use of English to explain certain concepts.

    Assessment: Design a teaching resource, and a 750-1,000 word reflective essay

     

    Click here to view more information on this module

  • Module 7

    IEP Planning for SpLD Learners

    15 hours

    Elective A Module
    This module focuses on enriching students’ knowledge and practice of preparing Individual Education Plans (IEP) for one-to-one intervention with learners of specific learning differences, based on the Assessment, Planning, Implementation and Evaluation (APIE) model. Taking a problem-based approach, students will be introduced to practical strategies and tools at each stage of the IEP planning process.

    Assessment: 1000-word report, based on a SpLD learner profile

     

    Click here to view more information on this module

  • Module 8

    Supporting SpLD Learners in English Language Exam Skills

    15 hours

    Elective A Module
    This module is designed for students who are or will be supporting Primary school learners with specific learning difficulties (SpLD) in their English Examinations. The module will examine the various components of the English Language Paper Two, unpack the intricacies of the components by simplifying them into simple and manageable steps, and eventually, impart strategies to tackle the examination requirements.

    Assessment: In-class Written Assignment

  • Module 9

    Supporting SpLD Learners in FEHE

    15 hours

    Elective A Module
    This module aims at empowering students who are educators in further education and higher education (FEHE), mainly post-secondary institutions, vocational institutions and universities, with practical knowledge and skills to support pupils with specific learning difficulties (SpLD). The module commences with an overview of dyslexia and the commonly co-occuring difficulties, introduces a range of screening instruments that can provide insight into the pupil's struggles, delves into a range of strategies used in tutorial support and culminates in a shared discussiof principles of inclusive classroom teaching and suggests recommendations of reasonable adjustments and provisions in FEHE context.

    Assessment: In-class Written Assignment, based on a case study.

  • Module 10

    Teaching Morphology to SpLD Learners

    15 hours

    Elective A Module
    This module will help students enrich their knowledge and practical skills in teaching morphology to SpLD learners. Areas covered include developing morphological awareness as part of teaching morphology, the history of the English Language, the meaning and function of common affixes (prefixes and suffixes), and Greek and Latin roots, the teaching procedures for introducing and reviewing affixes and roots as well as how morphology teaching can be integrated with other aspects of literacy instruction.

    Assessment: In-class Written Test, and Lesson Planning Assignment

  • Module 11

    Supporting SpLD Learners in Advanced English Literacy

    21 hours

    Elective B Module (Choose 1)
    This module equips students with understanding and strategies in supporting SpLD learners with higher order skills beyond the phonics elements and these skills include: morphology, reading comprehension, grammar, writing, self-esteem, vocabulary, study skills and other additional teaching resources.

     

    Assessment: Design a teaching resource, and a 750-1,000 word reflective essay

     

    Click here to view more information on this module

  • Module 12

    Supporting SpLD Learners in Advanced Chinese Literacy Skills

    21 hours

    Elective Module B
    This module provides students with the knowledge and skills to move learners beyond basic literacy skills, deepen participants’ understanding of the types of difficulties SpLD learners face in advanced literacy in Chinese. Students will also be exposed to designing and incorporating activities in lessons that cater to the learners’ needs. This module will be conducted mainly in Chinese.

    Assessments: Design a lesson plan and teaching resource, and a 750-word written report

  • Module 13

    Supporting At-Risk Preschoolers in Literacy

    21 hours

    Elective B Module
    This module covers both the theoretical and practical aspects of teaching preschool learners who are at risk for literacy difficulties. Students will become aware of SpLDs such as dyslexia and how co-occurring issues such as dyspraxia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and speech and language impairment (SLI) can affect the learning of literacy skills in preschoolers. Students will be introduced to practitioner-friendly assessment tools and trained in practical classroom and intervention strategies to help at-risk preschool learners.

    Assessments: In-class Quiz, Case Study and 500-word Written Report

  • Module 14

    Specific Learning Differences in Practice

    5 hours consultation with supervisor hours

     

    Assessment: Teaching Practicum Portfolio.

Time Table

 

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.

 

Please see the timetable below.

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Module Timetable

Module Hours Start Date Time
Module 1
Understanding Dyslexia		 15 hours
Module 2
Dyslexia and Literacy Teaching		 42 hours
Module 3
Educational Psychology		 15 hours
Module 4
Dyscalculia and Numeracy Teaching		 15 hours
Module 5
Understanding Speech, Language and Communication Needs		 15 hours
Module 6
Dyslexia and Chinese Language Support		 15 hours
Module 7
IEP Planning for SpLD Learners		 15 hours
Module 8
Supporting SpLD Learners in English Language Exam Skills		 15 hours
Module 9
Supporting SpLD Learners in FEHE		 15 hours
Module 10
Teaching Morphology to SpLD Learners		 15 hours
Module 11
Supporting SpLD Learners in Advanced English Literacy		 21 hours
Module 12
Supporting SpLD Learners in Advanced Chinese Literacy Skills		 21 hours
Module 13
Supporting At-Risk Preschoolers in Literacy		 21 hours
Module 14
Specific Learning Differences in Practice		 5 hours consultation with supervisor 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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