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Learning differences – making language teaching inclusive

In this course you will explore the main specific learning differences you are likely to see in your classes. We look at how we process information, what problems this can cause and what solutions we can use to overcome these challenges, including using proven teaching strategies such as multisensory learning techniques.

The course will support you in the inclusive classroom by equipping you with a toolbox of activities, resources and techniques that can help learners engage and acquire language.

APPLY

" I learned so much about a plethora of learning differences; I feel so well-prepared and more confident to start my new teaching career.  "

Estela, 2023

Is this course for you?

 
Location: Norwich
 
Experience:
Primary and Secondary teachers of English as a foreign language using or wanting to use techniques for inclusion in their class
 
Language Level: Minimum level B2
 
Course dates: 
21 July - 1 August
 
Certification:
NILE Certificate
Option for Trinity CertPT
 
Course Length:
2 weeks or join us for the first week only
 
Course fees:
Registration fee: £150 £100
Course fee: £597.50  £418 per week  
Trinity CertPT qualification (optional): £325
 
Accommodation (per week):
Homestay (half-board): £280 £196
Residential (half-board): £336 £235
Residential (self-catering): £280 £196
More information
 
Minimum age: 18
 
Max class size: 16
 
Free social and cultural programme
 
Cross-curricular and cultural workshops
 
Specialist ELT library
 
Complementary eLearning platform

Course content

 
Learning differences and their effects on learning
 
Experimental tasks which invite teachers to step into the shoes of a learner
 
Planning for learning, open communication and collaborating within cohorts
 
Analysing teaching methods in the light of learning differences
 
Different ways of processing information, and how this may affect learning
 
Resources in the immediate environment
 
Multisensory learning techniques
 
Adapting and designing materials considering accessibility for learner needs and differences
 
Strategies for teaching grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation
 
Strategies for teaching skills-based lessons
 
Principles of scaffolding in multisensory learning
 
Assessment in the inclusive classroom

 

" This course has given me so much new info and materials. I recommend it to everyone! "

Participant, August 2023

Download course description

Week 1 will provide a full overview of all the key learning differences. Each session will include reference to research and theory and will look at the barriers to learning, focussing on practical strategies to assist each learning difficulty. Participants are encouraged to share their classroom experiences and resource ideas throughout the sessions. Week 2 will provide many more teaching strategies, as well as opportunities to put these into practice collaboratively.

 

Timetable

This course consists of 50 hours of tuition, delivered between 09:00 and 15:30, Monday - Friday. You will also take part in cross-curricular workshops on a variety of topics, and each course includes a free evening and weekend programme of social and cultural activities and trips.

 

Sample Timetable

Further Information

Specific course content comes from feedback you and other participants give us through pre-course questionnaires, identifying your needs and priorities.

Time will be built into the course for reflection and for you to consider how to adapt ideas from the course to your classroom in your own professional contexts.

NILE offers various accommodation options, including homestay with carefully selected hosts and residential accommodation at the University of East Anglia. NILE’s dedicated student welfare team can be reached 24 hours a day.

All NILE courses involve a significant element of English language improvement and/or the development of language awareness.

Course Leader: Rachel Öner

Rachel Öner

Rachel is a freelance education consultant, writer and teacher educator based in Norfolk, UK. She has worked in EFL and ESOL for over 30 years, in Spain, France and the UK. Rachel holds Chartered Teacher Status and Advanced Teacher Status (ATS). In 2022 her ATS research project was nominated for Best Improvement Project 2022. Rachel has a keen interest in learning differences and has been awarded several qualifications in neurodiversity needs.

Rachel is the National Co-Chair of NATECLA (The National Association for Teaching English and Community Languages to Adults). She speaks regularly at national and regional conferences in support of ESOL.


Available dates:

Course dates Location Course length
21 July - 01 August 2025 First week only Norwich 1 week
21 July - 01 August 2025 Norwich 2 weeks
21 July - 01 August 2025 with Trinity CertPT Norwich 2 weeks

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