Faculty of Education

About the Faculty

Teacher Education Courses

Research Degrees

Postgraduate Courses

Other Courses and Activities

Faculty Research

Information for Current Students

Professional Experience

First Year in Education

Special Education (including Gifted and Talented Education)

Program Co-ordinator: Dr Rose Dixon

Graduate Certificate in Special Education
Graduate Certificate in Gifted Education
Master of Education
Higher Degree Research courses
Special Education Subject Information

2012 Subject Availability

EDGS910	Learning Theories and Exceptionality	Autumn
EDGS901	Introduction to Inclusive Education: Strategies, Policies and Legislation	Autumn
EDGS918	Approaches to Reading Difficulties: Theories and Strategies	Autumn
EDGS922	Teaching Gifted Students	Autumn
EDGS912	Investigating Issues in Special Education/Inclusive Education	Spring
EDGS914	Assessment and Instruction of Individuals with High Support Needs	Spring
EDGS916	Models of Behaviour Management	Spring
EDGS920	Language and Communication Difficulties: Theory and Practice	Spring
EDGS924	Giftedness in Special Populations	Spring
EDGS930	Professional Experience in Special Education	Autumn and Spring

All core subjects are available by distance education in the Special Education specialisation. Students considering distance study should discuss their proposed course of study with the Program Co-ordinator (Dr Rose Dixon).

Program Co-ordinator:	Rose Dixon
Ph:	02 42215292
Email:	roselyn@uow.edu.au
Graduate Officer	Luisa Dacunto (luisad@uow.edu.au)

GRADUATE CERTIFICATE

The Graduate Certificate is a short 24cp program, designed to provide educators with a greater level of expertise in the area of special education, but not formal teaching qualifications in Special Education.

Entry requirements: A three year degree in an appropriate discipline.

The Graduate Certificate in Special Education is designed to provide an increased level of skill in the area of Special Education. Contact the Special Education program co-ordinator for more details.

The course consists of 24 credit points generally completed over twelve months, ie four subjects chosen from the Special Education program, in consultation with the Program Co-ordinator.

The Graduate Certificate in Gifted Education is designed to provide an increased level of skill in the area of Gifted Education. Contact the Special Education program co-ordinator for more details.

The course consists of 24 credit points generally completed over twelve months, ie four subjects chosen from the Special Education program, in consultation with the Program Co-ordinator.

MASTER OF EDUCATION

The Master of Education is an introductory higher degree for teachers and educators wishing to pursue advanced studies in their area of interest. The course of study includes a total of 48cp, at least 24cp of which must be taken from the subjects listed in the Special Education specialisation, as listed above. Students must also include in their program the compulsory research methodology subject, EDGZ921 Introduction to Research and Inquiry (6cp).

Entry requirements: The Master of Education is available to candidates who have a degree and a teacher training qualification recognised as giving four year status. This includes BEd, BA + DipEd (or similar) or Dip Teach + Grad Dip combinations. Candidates with qualifications which may be considered equivalent from other backgrounds or a three year teaching qualification should discuss their entry with the Director of the Graduate Program.

Advanced Standing

The Faculty of Education has approved up to 12 credit points of Advanced Standing in the Master of Education to students who have completed some approved professional development courses. More information regarding this is available from the Program co-ordinator or the Graduate Officer or available at this website: http://www.uow.edu.au/educ/postgrad/UOW062755.html.

Higher Degree Research Courses

Master of Education - Research

The Master of Education - Research allows students to undertake research methodology subjects (24cp) and research (48cp) in their chosen field. This degree provides specialised training for those preparing careers in academic, government and industry, and provides professionals with the means to increase their knowledge and upgrade their qualifications/.

Doctor of Education

The Doctor of Education is a program designed to prepare professional leaders in Education. This program is a doctoral level program completed by a combination of coursework (48cp) and thesis (96cp), offered in the same study areas as the Master of Education.

Doctor of Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy is completed by in-depth research (144cp) in a topic supervised by academic staff from the Faculty. It is designed for those who wish to become researchers or academics in the field.

Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated)

The Doctor of Philosophy (Integrated) is a four-year research degree which integrates a traditional three-year PhD thesis with one-year of coursework, comprising generic research training and discipline-specific content into a single degree.

For duration, delivery, starts dates and course information please see the course handbook for details.

For entry requirements and application guides please see our prospective students research page.

Special Education Program

EDGS901 - Intro. to Inclusive Education: Strategies, Policies and Legislation, Autumn 6cp

This unit will be an introduction to the learning requirements of students with special needs. Additionally, it will critically examine the processes, models, educational policies and strategies proposed for the inclusion of students with special needs in the regular classroom. The Inclusion debate and issues such as the most effective delivery systems and the most effective curriculum structures will be examined. The barriers to inclusion such as stigma and negative attitudes will be explored together with service delivery structures in schools. Finally, there will be a focus on the implications of relevant legislation such as, the Disability Discrimination Act, Disability Standards for Education and the Occupational Health and Safety Act, for special education professionals.

EDGS910 - Learning Theories and Exceptionality, Autumn 6cp

This subject explores a range of learning theories and their application to children with special needs. Topics include: behaviourism; Piaget and critiques of his theory; socio-cultural accounts of learning; information processing perspectives including the development of metacognition and self-regulation; the relationships among language, learning and thought; and issues in the assessment of intelligence.

EDGS912 - Investigating Issues in Special Education/Inclusive Education, Spring 6cp

This subject encourages students to complete an in-depth study of a contemporary issue in Special Education. The subject is specifically tailored for each student. The course co-ordinator will negotiate the topic and the presentation format on an individual basis. Each student will produce an individual project equivalent to 6,000 words.

EDGS914 - Assessment and Instruction Individuals with High Support Needs, Autumn 6cp

This subject aims to develop basic skills in assessment, program planning, program implementation and evaluation in relation to students with moderate/severe needs. The principles of effective teaching and curriculum modification will be addressed. While a range of teaching approaches will be reviewed, the emphasis will be on those which have strong empirical support for their effectiveness.

EDGS916 - Models of Behaviour Management, Spring 6cp

This subject examines a range of approaches to behaviour management and the theoretical principles upon which they are based. Problems associated with non school attendance, oppositional disorders, attention deficit disorders and other commonly occurring behaviour disorders are critically examined within the context of increasing academic engaged time and developing social and conflict resolution skills.

EDGS918 - Approaches to Reading Difficulties: Theories and strategies, Autumn 6cp

This subject will engage students in a critical review of current empirical research in the area of reading difficulties. Theoretical and methodological aspects will be considered.

EDGS920 - Language and Communication Difficulties: Theory and Practice, Spring 6cp

This subject examines the major causes of language and communication difficulties. An overview of the topic will include an historical perspective which indicates shifts in issues such as identification, classification and categorization. Specific language difficulties associated with autism, cerebral palsy hearing impairment, intellectual impairment and learning disabilities will be examined. Assessment of communication difficulties and evaluation of a range of educational strategies will conclude the subject.

EDGS922 - Teaching Gifted Students, Autumn 6cp

This subject will identify and critically examine the current issues related to the education of gifted students. It will also prepare teachers to meet effectively the needs of such students through curriculum modification and application of special educational strategies. Topics will include: definition and identification issues; instructional models; educational strategies; creativity and thinking skills; counselling needs; special populations; and the implications of policy on educational practice.

EDGS924 - Giftedness in Special Populations, Spring 6cp

This subject will critically examine the needs of special populations of students who are generally under-represented in programs for gifted children. Students will engage in analysing and evaluating alternative forms of assessment and developing appropriate strategies for curriculum design and delivery. Possible focus groups will include: Aboriginal children, ethnic minority children, low SES, girls, underachievers, preschoolers, prodigies, and students with emotional difficulties, physical or learning disabilities.

EDGS930 - Professional Experience in Special Education, Autumn/Spring 6cp

Students who wish to work as special education teachers will undertake a 20 day (or equivalent) practicum experience in K-12 special education settings under the supervision of a trained teacher in that setting.
They will need to complete specific tasks however, the main assessment will be made by the supervising teacher in their allocated setting.

Please Note : Professional Experience is a compulsory component embedded in this course. Therefore it is an expectation that students who participate in this course are capable of meeting the demands of navigating their own way to, from and around the Professional Experience contexts,e.g. school sites. It needs to be noted that the off-campus environment is beyond the control of UOW.

Last reviewed: 25 October, 2011