Advanced Certificate in Education (ACE)

The Advanced Certificate in education with specialisation in inclusion of learners with severe disabilities is aimed to equip educators with the necessary skills to facilitate inclusion.

For whom is the course intended?

Teachers involved in the education and rehabilitation of learners with severe disabilities.

Are you involved in the education and training of people with severe disabilities?

Do you wish to gain more specialized knowledge and skills in severe disabilities and augmentative and alternative communication?

If so, the Advanced Certificate in Education in inclusion of learners with severe disabilities is for you!

What does the Advanced Certificate in Education (inclusion of learners with severe disabilities) offer?

This course offers the student the opportunity to:

• Study teaching approaches and intervention strategies in dealing with learners with severe disabilities.
• Apply AAC strategies to facilitate communication and literacy development.
• Make a difference in the lives of young people with severe disabilities

What is the objective of the course?

To develop advanced knowledge and skills in the education of learners with severe disabilities and their inclusion in the classroom.

What are the admission requirements?

At least a three year education diploma (M + 3) or a diploma of a similar status, awarded by a College of Education or University in the Republic of South Africa.

What other courses does the Advanced Certificate in Education give me access to?

BA Honours in AAC, Faculty of Humanities, University of Pretoria.

B.Ed in Special Education, Faculty of Education, University of Pretoria.

How will the students be assessed?

At the end of each module students are required to submit an assignment

Throughout each of the modules students can test their knowledge with multiple choice self-evaluation tests.

At the end of the year an examination is written for each module.

How do the lecturers and students communicate?

This is a distance education course, therefore you do not have to be resident in Pretoria as no lectures or practical sessions have to be attended at the University. Communication is via e-mail, faxes and telephone. Each module of the course also has an accompanying video to aid understanding.

What is the language of tuition?

The course is conducted in English.

Course structure:

Duration:

2 years part time

First year:

• AAK 401 – Introduction to Severe Disabilities.
  To familiarize the student with the field of severe disabilities by identifying learners with severe disabilities and their needs in the classroom.
• AAK 402 – Communication & Functional Literacy.
  Approaches and strategies to facilitate communication and literacy with little or no functional speech.
• AAK 403 – Collaborative Teaming.
  The organization and functioning of transdisciplinary teams which would include family members, teachers, therapists, the learner with the disability and their significant others.

Second year:

• AAK 404 – Inclusion.
  The design of appropriate learning programmes, modules and lesson plans for learners with severe disabilities included in the classroom.
• AAK 405 – Life skills.
  Principles and practices in the design of appropriate learning programmes to facilitate the development of life skills for learners with severe disabilities.
• COE 430 – The Social context of Education.
  Multicultural education. The social context in which tolerance to diversity may develop.
• PFO 430: Professional development.
  Self-development. Psychology and behaviour of effective educators. A key to enhancing educators effectiveness. Professional growth. Becoming a more competent educator. Learning mediation and facilitation.

For more information on the course, applications and registrations:

Contact the Centre for AAC.

Tel: (012) 420-2001 / 420 - 4728
Fax: (012) 420-4389
E-Mail: ACE Coordinator