The National MA Education (Wales): Additional Learning Needs is a truly transformative and sector leading programme for educational professionals in Wales, from early career teachers to senior leaders with an interest in Additional Learning Needs.
The educational landscape in Wales is changing rapidly. Teaching not only requires the mastery of a complex set of skills to guide, motivate, and facilitate student learning, but also the ability to enquire into professional practice in order to improve it.
The National MA Education (Wales): Additional Learning Needs programme – which has been collaboratively developed by seven universities in Wales, through direct engagement with a variety of key stakeholders including Welsh Government – will ensure that all education professionals in Wales have the same high-quality opportunity to enhance their professional knowledge, engage with research, and to improve their professional practice in the area of Additional Learning Needs.
Students will choose two from three specialist Modules, and will also take modules in
- Advanced Research and Enquiry Skills
- Dissertation (ALN)
Specialist modules:
- Inclusive Classroom Practice
- Leadership and Management of ALN
- Additional Learning Needs – Excellence in Practice
Assessments are all coursework assignments and will be submitted at the end of each module. Wherever possible, assignments have been designed to complement the working contexts and schedules of full-time teachers.
ALN Pathway modules
Inclusive Classroom Practice
This module will allow students to engage in the key debates around Additional Learning Needs (ALN) and inclusion in the classroom. The module will combine theories of ALN with research on best practice. Students will use up-to-date theory and debate to think critically about ALN in Wales and how it applies practically in the classrooms from school through to further education (FE). Therefore, students will gain a well-rounded understanding of both theory and practice in ALN. The students will develop the ability to think critically about the current discourse and apply their knowledge to classroom practice. Furthermore, students will be encouraged to collaborate and share best practice in the field of ALN and inclusion.
Leadership and Management of ALN
This module will focus on the skills required to be an effective ALNCo under the ALNET. The module will require detailed reflection on areas of personal strength and areas for development. Case study scenarios will be used to explore the functions and responsibilities of the Additional Learning Needs Coordinator (ALNCo) in relation to children, families and inter-professional working. Students will be required to demonstrate a detailed knowledge of appropriate setting wide strategies to support those with ALN.
ALN: Excellence in Practice
This module will focus on leading whole-setting approaches to Additional Learning Needs. The module will require students to reflect on how change can be implemented to improve inclusive education across their settings. Students will deconstruct examples of best practice and reflect on how these may be applied to their own setting. Students will gain understanding of how they can lead positive change in their settings to enhance inclusive practice. Students will develop the skills needed to show excellence in practice as an ALNCo.