Learning Problems and Impairments
| Specialisation of: | Education and Child Studies |
|---|---|
| Degree: | Master of Science in Education and Child Studies |
| Mode of Study: | Full-time, part-time |
| Duration: | 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time |
| Start date: | September, February |
| Language of instruction: | Dutch; English if international students attend classes |
| Location: | Leiden |
| Croho/isat code: | 60396 |
More than 15% of school-age children have learning problems; they experience severe difficulties in learning one or more basic skills or they fail to display general base requirements. Experts who treat these children must be aware of the way in which children learn, what can go wrong and what interventions are evidence-based.
The Master’s specialisation in Learning Problems and Impairments offers a combination of theoretical insights, diagnostic skills and treatment strategies. Students learn to recognise common learning problems such as dyslexia, hyperlexia and discalculia, as well as learning problems caused by ADHD, ADD or speech and language disorders. In the course of the programme they acquire the knowledge and skills required to work in research, teaching or clinical positions.
Why choose the specialisation in Learning Problems and Impairments?
- You will acquire in-depth knowledge of a socially crucial topic: not only do school drop-out and low literacy have economic consequences, learning problems also cause much personal suffering.
- You will acquire knowledge of the way in which pupils between the ages of 3 and 18 learn, and what can go wrong in this process.
- You will practise general ortho-pedagogical skills, looking for the best solution on the basis of the results of diagnostic research.
- You will learn to recognise whether you are dealing with specific learning problems (dyslexia or discalculia) or learning problems caused by something else (for instance, weak cognitive control, attention disorders or stress-related problems).
- You will learn to design and test action plans.
- You will be able to complete your NVO basic diagnostics registration.
- You will be able to participate intensively in designing and testing interventions in the early years in order to close the gap between high-achievers and low-achievers at an early stage.
