This module will give you an opportunity to explore the impact of diversity on learning, from an individual and an institutional perspective. You will be introduced to the factors influencing learning, including learning styles and motivation, and will investigate the different support needs indicated by these factors. You will examine a range of social factors, such as culture, ethnicity and disability, and their influence on education, your institution, the learners, and your own role. You will consider the existing support systems for learners and compare practice with other institutions and educational sectors. You will explore strategies to enhance support for diverse learners, at an individual and institutional level.

A case study (900 words ? 50%), focused on one area of diverse learner needs.
The case study will involve working with an individual learner, to explore:
Their individual needs with reference to relevant theory and concepts
The impact of the learning environment on their ability to learn
Their access to support systems
Any gaps in the support provided
(Learning outcomes 1 and 2)

A portfolio of evidence (50%), indicating how learners with different needs are supported, and outlining proposals to enhance support systems to facilitate the development of a more inclusive learning environment in own institutions, including implications for own roles.
(Learning outcome 3)

You will attend 9 weekly sessions, followed by an assignment workshop.

A variety of learning and teaching methods will be used such as presentations by specialist practitioners, group discussions, case studies, role plays and task centered investigations. As this module is run alongside the Working in Teams module, there will be a particular emphasis on team-based activities.

In addition you will be required to engage in independent study in order to consolidate and build upon your learning from the taught sessions. This will take the form of undertaking follow-up tasks, work based investigations, and reading relevant literature.

Recommended reading:

Ainscow, M., Booth, T., Dyson, A. (2006) Improving Schools, Developing Inclusion. Routledge, Taylor and Francis Group.

Daniels, K. and MacDonald, L. (2005) Equality, Diversity and Discrimination: A Student Text. London: CIPD

Staffordshire University Diversity website: http://www.staffs.ac.uk/diversity

Equality Challenge Unit website: http://www.ecu.ac.uk/

Details of other appropriate texts will be available in the handbook.

Well-stocked University library for a range of relevant texts and journals
Internet access enabling exploration of relevant websites
Blackboard for access to learning resources and Discussion Boards
PebblePAD to reflect on individual implications of learning.

Typically participants will currently be working in an institution offering education to pupils or students.