Dr Cathryn Knight is a Lecturer of Education in Swansea University School of Education. Her interest lies in the area of Additional Learning Needs (ALN) with a particular interest in dyslexia. Further areas of interest include teacher education, the Welsh education system and the use of secondary data in education research.
Additional Learning Needs
Child Development
This module will allow students to engage in the key debates around Additional Learning Needs (ALN) and inclusion in the classroom. The module will combine theories of ALN with research on best practice. Students will use up-to-date theory and debate to think critically about ALN in Wales and how it applies practically in the classrooms from school through to further education (FE). Therefore, students will gain a well-rounded understanding of both theory and practice in ALN. The students will develop the ability to think critically about the current discourse and apply their knowledge to classroom practice. Furthermore, students will be encouraged to collaborate and share best practice in the field of ALN and inclusion.
This module will focus on the coaching and leadership skills required to be an effective ALNCo under the ALNET. The module and will require detailed reflection on areas of personal strength and areas for development. Case study scenarios will be used to explore the functions and responsibilities of the Additional Learning Needs Coordinator (ALNCo) in relation to children, families and inter-professional working. Students will be required to demonstrate a detailed knowledge of appropriate setting wide intervention strategies to support those with ALN.
This module will be the first undertaken by all students in the Professional Doctorate in Education. The module provides a theoretical and practical basis for rest of the programme. The module will interrogate and problematise key issues in educational research including the nature of educational research, methods and methodologies, data collection and analysis, the process of literature reviews and writing for academic audiences.
This module considers how additional learning needs (ALN) and special educational needs (SEN) are defined within legislation, statutory regulations and guidance. Current ALN/SEN policy and practice is explored. Implications of divergence in practice between Wales and the rest of the United Kingdom are considered. The module provides an opportunity to study the prevalence, etiology and management of a range of ALN/SEN. Contentious ALN/SEN related issues are highlighted and discussed.
This dissertation module will enable students to pursue an empirical study on a topic of their choice relating to education across contexts according to their academic interest or future career aspirations. It will require students to formulate an appropriate research question and to design and execute a research project that will address their chosen question in a coherent and systematic manner. Students will have the flexibility to pursue a research topic related to education that might be relevant to their career aspirations across the full range of contexts where knowledge and expertise in education is applicable.
This module will appeal to specialist, or aspiring specialist education professionals, teaching and support staff, working in a range of educational settings but with a clear focus on supporting pupils who experience barriers to learning because of their learning disabilities. The module will offer students the opportunity to critically evaluate how the policy direction in Wales has been informed with reference to international and national research relating to creating inclusive learning environments for all children. Students will be encouraged to critically evaluate the observed impact this has on pupils with ALN. It will also aim to develop greater understanding and a critical appreciation of the ways in which ALN provision has been implemented across schools and other settings in Wales and will compare and contrast practice in other countries. The ALN in Wales module will encourage students to apply their theoretical understanding of ALN developments to their own professional situation(s).
This module will allow students to engage in the key debates around Additional Learning Needs (ALN) and inclusion. Students will use up-to-date theory and debate to think critically about ALN both in Wales and internationally. The module will combine theories of ALN with research on best practice. Therefore, students will gain a well-rounded understanding of both theory and practice in ALN. The module will be structured around three main topics: Inclusion, ALN policy and best practice in ALN. For each area the students will develop the ability to think critically about the current discourse and apply their knowledge to working with people with ALN in educational contexts.
This module will allow students to engage in the key debates around Additional Learning Needs (ALN) and inclusion. Students will use up-to-date theory and debate to think critically about ALN both in Wales and internationally. The module will combine theories of ALN with research on best practice. Therefore, students will gain a well-rounded understanding of both theory and practice in ALN. The module will be structured around three main topics: Inclusion, ALN policy and best practice in ALN. For each area the students will develop the ability to think critically about the current discourse and apply their knowledge to working with people with ALN in educational contexts.
This module will provide an overview of research methodology in preparation for the research aspects and requirements of the Masters programme. It will cover the main aspects of social science research and will guide participants through research design, data collection, data analysis and data representation. The course will offer a guide to the main steps involved in planning and designing a research project and will offer advice on how to practically manage this process. It also will include consideration of how to select and refine research questions, how to conduct a literature review and the ethical considerations that may arise within a social science setting.
2 hour weekly Study Group for Education students (Year 3)
