This module provides a comprehensive introduction to research methods and design, equipping you with essential skills for conducting rigorous and impactful research. You will explore a range of different approaches to conducting research, gaining practical experience in research planning, data collection, and ethical considerations. Emphasis is placed on selecting appropriate research designs for various questions and contexts. By the end of the module, you will be prepared to independently design and execute research projects that contribute meaningfully to your field of study.

This module explores diagnostic assessment and critical reflective practices for educators working with learners with SpLD. It is designed to equip education professionals with the knowledge and skills to conduct and interpret diagnostic assessments and to analysis the data to support targeted intervention and instruction. Through engagement with current theory and evidence-based practices, students will develop an understanding of the relationship between a learner's cognitive profile and their attainment in literacy and numeracy and the implications these have on instructional strategies and learner outcomes. The module also encourages a reflective approach, prompting educators to critically evaluate and adapt their own teaching practices based on insights from assessment data and cognitive understanding.

This module is designed to deepen students' expertise in diagnostic assessment within educational and professional settings, with a focus on both formal reporting and practical recommendations. Students will learn to use formal diagnostic structures to communicate assessment findings clearly and effectively to various stakeholders, including educators, parents, and professionals. They will also recommend tailored teaching, learning, and workplace strategies based on diagnostic insights that respond to an individual learner's needs. Students will examine how co-occurring conditions, cultural dynamics, and community factors may influence the diagnostic process and critically consider the impact of diagnostic labels on an individual's self-concept. Additionally, students will gain a thorough understanding of the assessor’s role within the professional community, examining both the legal and ethical considerations that inform best practices in diagnostic assessment.