Program Overview
The Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Support (PGDipLrnSupport) is a part-time, online program designed for educators working in learning support roles. It equips learners with advanced knowledge and skills in curriculum development, inclusive education practices, and evidence-based interventions, fostering critical thinking, reflection, and professional development. The program prepares graduates for various career paths in learning support, including Learning Support Coordinators, Special Education Needs Coordinators, and Resource Teachers of Learning and Behaviour.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Postgraduate Diploma in Learning Support (PGDipLrnSupport)
is designed for Learning Support Coordinators (LSC), Special Education Needs Coordinators (SENCo), and Teachers working in the area of learning support. It integrates theory and practice to explore key aspects of the LSC and SENCo roles, fostering critical thinking, reflection, and professional development.
Objectives:
- Equip learners with advanced knowledge and skills in the field of learning support
- Enhance expertise in curriculum development, inclusive education practices, and evidence-based interventions
- Cultivate leadership skills in promoting equitable and culturally responsive learning environments
- Develop self-reflection and inquiry skills for continuous professional growth
- Foster collaboration and team-building skills for effective implementation of learning support initiatives
Program Description:
The PGDipLrnSupport is delivered through a flexible online learning environment, allowing students to engage in coursework at their own pace and convenience. The program features:
- Engaging webinars and forum discussions: fostering active participation and collaboration
- Spotlights on practice: showcasing real-world examples and case studies
- In-depth modules of learning: focused on specific topics and areas of expertise
- Individualized learning pathways: allowing students to tailor their learning based on professional needs and context
Eligibility:
- Teaching degree (bachelor's or equivalent)
- Current registration as a teacher with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand
- Minimum two years of relevant teaching experience
- Application and potential portfolio assessment
Duration:
- Part-time study: 2 years
- Maximum completion time: 4 years
- Offered via distance and online learning
Other:
- Designed to meet the requirements of the New Zealand Ministry of Education
- Does not qualify graduates to become teachers in New Zealand
- If you wish to become a teacher, see the Graduate Diploma of Learning and Teaching.
Outline:
The PGDipLrnSupport comprises four core courses, each contributing to the overall learning objectives. The schedule and content are structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of the field and equip students with practical skills for effective implementation.
Year 1:
- 249730 Learning Support: Networked Learning (30 credits): Explores the principles and practices of learning support provision in the school sector, focusing on assessment, intervention strategies, and collaboration with stakeholders.
- 249731 Learning Support: Professional Practice (30 credits): Emphasizes the knowledge base and skills required for school leaders of learning support, including leadership styles, curriculum development, and systemic change initiatives.
Year 2:
- 249732 Learning Support: Professional Inquiry (45 credits): Guides students through a research-based inquiry into their own teaching and learning practice in the area of school learning support, fostering critical reflection and evidence-based decision-making.
- 249770 Supervision and Mentoring in Specialist Teaching (15 credits): Analyzes advanced theory and practice in the field of mentoring and supervision in special and inclusive education, enabling students to apply these concepts in their own teaching context.
Assessment:
Assessment methods vary depending on the specific course, but include a combination of:
- Assignments and written work: demonstrating knowledge application and analytical skills
- Reflective journals and portfolios: fostering self-reflection and professional development
- Presentations and group work: promoting collaboration and communication skills
- Critical analysis and problem-solving tasks: applying theoretical concepts to real-world scenarios
Teaching:
The PGDipLrnSupport benefits from a mix of teaching approaches, including:
- Experienced and qualified lecturers: with expertise in learning support, special education, and inclusive education practices
- Guest speakers and practitioners: providing real-world insights and perspectives from the field
- Interactive online learning platform: facilitating active engagement, discussion, and collaboration among students
- Blended learning environment: incorporating asynchronous and synchronous learning activities to accommodate diverse learning styles and schedules
- Focus on student-centered learning: encouraging active participation, critical thinking, and self-reflection
Careers:
The PGDipLrnSupport prepares graduates for various career paths in the field of learning support, including:
- Learning Support Coordinator (LSC): providing support to students with diverse learning needs within a school or educational setting
- Resource Teacher of Learning and Behaviour (RTLB): offering support and guidance to teachers in implementing inclusive education strategies
- Specialist Teacher: working in specialized settings or with students with specific learning disabilities
- Policy and Advocacy Roles: contributing to the development of inclusive education policies and advocating for the needs of learners with disabilities
- Educational Researcher: conducting research and promoting evidence-based practices in the field of learning support Graduates may also pursue further studies, such as a Master of Education (MEd) or a Doctor of Education (EdD) in Education, with a specialization in Learning Support or Special Education.
Other:
- The PGDipLrnSupport is designed to integrate the Teacher Standards into the Learning Support role, equipping graduates to demonstrate competence and confidence in enacting inclusive and equitable educational practices.
- The program aligns with current research and best practices in the field of learning support, ensuring that graduates possess the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the diverse needs of learners in the 21st century.
- The program fosters a supportive and collaborative learning environment, where students can connect with peers, share experiences, and grow as professionals in the field of learning support.
Note:
Admission to Massey University is required for the PGDipLrnSupport. All students must meet university entrance requirements.
