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Module Specifications.

Current Academic Year 2024 - 2025

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Date posted: September 2024

Module Title Understanding Dyslexia
Module Code SI422 (ITS) / ISE1017 (Banner)
Faculty DCU Institute of Education School Inclusive & Special Education
Module Co-ordinatorEamonn Mccauley
Module TeachersAoife Brennan
NFQ level 8 Credit Rating 5
Pre-requisite Not Available
Co-requisite Not Available
Compatibles Not Available
Incompatibles Not Available
Coursework Only
Description

This module will examine the history and definition of dyslexia, the causes in terms of current research evidence and explore key concepts and debates surrounding this learning difficulty. It will explore modifications to curriculum, instruction and assessment appropriate to students with dyslexia and identify specific teaching strategies for specific literacy skills including reading, spelling, writing and comprehension.

Learning Outcomes

1. Discuss and evaluate, with reference to the literature, key issues and debates around dyslexia
2. Apply knowledge and understanding of dyslexia and evidence-based intervention for students with dyslexia when consulting collaboratively with parents, colleagues and other professionals
3. share and apply their knowledge about best practices at whole school and classroom levels
4. Identify appropriate diagnostic literacy assessments to support the development of individual learning profiles for students with dyslexia
5. Make the necessary modifications to curriculum and instruction appropriate to the needs of students with dyslexia
6. Discuss ways to engage and support parents in meeting the learning needs of their children and in working collaboratively with teachers and other professionals involved with their children
7. Select appropriate instructional strategies for building specific literacy skills in students with dyslexia.
8. Describe the principles and techniques of effective instruction for the student with dyslexia.
9. Evaluate specific programmes, in terms of their evidence base, devised for students with dyslexia



Workload Full-time hours per semester
Type Hours Description
Lecture4live lectures
Independent Study96Reading and assignment preparation
Online activity25Online learning activities
Total Workload: 125

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Assessment Breakdown
Continuous Assessment100% Examination Weight0%
Course Work Breakdown
TypeDescription% of totalAssessment Date
AssignmentWritten paper80%Week 10
Completion of online activityOnline learning activities20%Week 10
Indicative Reading List

  • Birsh, J. R.: 2011, Multisensory teaching of basic language skills (, Brookes Baltimore, MD.,
  • McKay, N.: 2012, Removing Dyslexia as a Barrier to Achievement. The Dyslexia friendly schools toolkit, Wakefield, Yorks.: SEN Marketing,
  • Reid, G., Fawcett, A., Manis, F., & Siegel, L: 2008, The Sage handbook of dyslexia., Sage, London,
  • Reid, G.: 2016, Dyslexia: A practitioner's handbook, Chichester: Wiley Blackwell.,
Other Resources

49020, Research Report, Rose, J., 2009, Identifying and teaching children and young people with dyslexia and literacy difficulties, http://www.thedyslexia-spldtrust.org.uk/media/downloads/inline/the-rose-report.1294933674.pdf, 49021, Website, NCSE, 0, National Council for Special Education, www.ncse.ie, 49022, Website, The Dyslexia Association of Ireland, 0, DAI website, : http://www.dyslexia.ie/, 49023, Website, British Dyslexia Association, 0, BDA website, http://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/,

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