Celebrating 8 Years of Partnership with the Dyscovery Centre
Introductions Dawn Duffin
Head of Learning and Assessment Services The National Learning Network
Investing in People: Changing Perspectives
Agenda Defining Partnership
Projects from my Partnership with the Dyscovery Centre Were we able to define the common problem ? What are we doing in the Present ?
1. Ingredients for a Perfect Partnership
-Culture -Organisational Ethos -Perception -Communication -Common Goals -Relevant Expertise
Culture
Investing in People Changing Perspectives
Country
Organisation
What do you see?
Communication
@~&*£<$%?”|>*^&a
Communication
Common Goals
Common Goals That each individual achieves his or her potential in his or her unique situation: - Education - Employment - Socially
Relevant Expertise Multi-disciplinary Teams (e.g.) - Psychologists - Occupational Therapists - Speech and Language Therapists - Guidance Counsellors - Medical Practitioners - Job Coaches - Teachers and Lecturers - Public Servants - Special Needs Assistants - Parents - Specialist Organisations
2. Projects
PACTS Partners Collaborating in developing Training for Individuals with SPLD
In the past few years, in Wales and Ireland, increased awareness of specific learning difficulties has resulted in greater numbers of young people wanting to access education and employment. However, lack of knowledge and training has resulted in many of these young people being isolated and not meeting their potential, either in respect of gaining qualifications or making the most of employment opportunities.
PACTS 2004-6: Final Report (ITB/NLN/Dyscovery Centre)
Outcomes from PACTS 1. Partnerships and Relationships maintained in both Ireland and Wales 2. NLN Assessment Service was set up 3. Perceptions and perspectives moved 4. Learning Styles and Weaknesses and Strengths became the focus 5. Awareness of SPLD increased through training
SIF: Learning Styles Theme • Developing a whole campus approach to supports.
• Working with students and lecturers • One stop shop
SIF: Learning Styles Theme Final Report 2007-2010
Outcomes from SIF - All students are invited to self profile - Lecturers are given group ‘learning’ reports - Any student can access supports but those identifying they have difficulties are invited to discuss them - Psychological Assessments may be given - Interventions are provided through ‘Study Skills’ - Lecturers come for advice and support - Training is provided
3. Defining the Common Problem
Diversity is the Norm
People are different but systems treat them as if they are all the same.
Making Complex Issues Accessible Understanding â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Learning and Working Stylesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; help us gain an insight into how a person processes, understands, generates and collates information.
This is ESSENTIAL in all aspects of our respective lifelong journeys
4. Where are we now?
EVERYONE IS DIFFERENT But we often treat them as if they are all the same
Universal Design FROM Medical Model (Disability Office) A focus of seeing the learner as having difficulties which create problems for the system TO Universal Design Model (Student Support Office) A focus of seeing the system itself as being required to respond to a spectrum of diverse presentations
Centre for Excellence in Universal Design www.universaldesign.ie/
Thank you!
WWW.nln.ie Learning and Assessment Services