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- That assessment moderation is available
- Alternative course assessment options are adequate and that teachers are trained in how to implement them
- Teachers have access and training in adaptive (assistive) technologies, which are computer based technologies that students with specific types of learning disorder can use (see Modified teaching strategies and technologies/adaptive technologies)
- All teachers have access to seminars, courses or instruction in learning disorder assessment training – particularly through hiring guest speakers
Key issues in learning disorder and vocational education and training
Research into learning disorder has mostly occurred at the higher education level. The research indicates that the number of post secondary students affected by learning disorder is higher than is currently recognised, and is on the increase.
“A small research project last year indicated anecdotally that up to 50% of trade students may have an issue with literacy. Our education needs to be taught in a way that addresses this.”
Jenny Shaw, President of the Australian Learning Disability Association
Adult learners with learning disorder may gravitate towards practical courses that they perceive to be less dependent upon reading and writing assessments. Many have already sought help through language, literacy and numeracy courses.
Although Victorian TAFE institutes are large, there are far more private providers of vocational education and training for adult learners in existence. Each institution is different, and city institutions experience different issues (and solutions) to country institutions.
Check your policies
A rule for all is to check policies and procedures for learning disorder and ensure that policies are in place that provide practical professional guidance for teachers. Procedures should be in place that are supportive for students and teachers, and don’t just ‘pay lip-service’
“All students should be encouraged to work to their fullest potential. It is their legal right, both as a student and/or as someone with a disability.
Smaller vocational education and training providers need to address this as much as the larger providers, otherwise they leave themselves vulnerable to criticism.”
Jenny Shaw, President of the Australian Learning Disability Association
Course assessment issues
Institutions might have policies in place, but assessing students with learning disorder who can’t read or write in the conventional way can be a source of stress for teachers, many of whom have limited professional teaching experience beyond their chosen trade.
Disability officers, program co-ordinators or RTO/centre managers could assist teachers to deal with these stresses. Ensure the following are in place, or are being addressed:
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- Identify learning disorder
- Understand the issues vocational education and training students face
- Classroom management techniques
- Course assessment strategies
- Training in assistive technologies
- Learning disorder assessment - policy and procedure
Organising staff professional development
Professional development ought to occur regularly to address changes in staff, policy, procedures and research.
Professional development can be specifically designed for vocational education and training managers/coordinators and teachers. Sessions could focus on how to:
Find out whether there is a disabilities officer at your organisation who could arrange a presentation. If not, the following documents, powerpoint presentations, videos and weblinks are all resources for a professional development session.
Further information
Inclusive teaching training
A session on inclusive teaching techniques could be a good beginning for your professional development. Inclusive teaching provides a better environment for all students.
The following documents are publications with information, advice, and activities for the delivery of sessions on inclusive teaching.
Professional development service
You could also contact the following organisation for presentation advice, newsletters or current conferences, seminars or publications:
Please refer to our Resources & Services for more options.
Current professional development opportunities, news and events will appear on HOME page of this site.