Spoken and Written Language Disorders in Educational Settings

In this course students undertake further studies in child language, to further develop evidence-based practice skills with school aged children with language support needs. Topics include language and literacy development in the school aged years; principles of assessment and intervention; support of children’s learning across pragmatics, narrative, morpho-syntax, semantics and literacy; inclusion and service delivery. Students interpret and critically apply research for realistic case scenarios from the local context. We explore working across cultures and languages in Aotearoa, with a focus on Maori and Pacific students, including those in Maori immersion education. The course explores different perspectives on child language "disorders" and supports students to develop flexibility and sensitivity in their practice with diverse families. Students will identify with the profession of speech-language therapy, and analyse issues and generate solutions relevant to working with school-aged children.