Certificate in the Practice of Inclusive Education in the Classroom: Level 2 (30 ECTS) [formerly known as the 30 week course]

Overall Course Description

The Level 2 Certificate in the Practice of Inclusive Education in the Classroom is an MQF Level 5 qualification aimed at developing the knowledge, skills, and professional competences of Learning Support Educators (LSEs) working with children with diverse needs, learning difficulties and disabilities in the Maltese education system.

The programme improves the foundation of knowledge and practical skills obtained through the Learning Support Educator 1 Certification Course or from an equivalent certificate. It intends to deepen the learners’ knowledge in the areas of child and adolescent development, inclusive education, educational psychology and teaching strategies. Learners will learn how to recognise individual learning needs, meet these needs and apply the necessary teaching strategies to enable inclusion, participation, and learning.

The course engages learners in core components of inclusive education like literacy and numeracy acquisition, the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the needs of learners with different profiles, preparation, and implementation of Individual Educational Plans (IEPs). It brings a focus on professional communication, ethical practice, and working with teachers, parents, and others.

Upon successful completion of the programme, learners will be equipped to:

1. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of child and adolescent development, particularly in relation to disabilities and learning difficulties.
2. Identify and respond appropriately to the diverse educational, emotional, physical and cognitive needs of learners.
3. Apply inclusive teaching methodologies and differentiated learning strategies to support students with different abilities and learning requirements.
4. Support the development of literacy and numeracy skills through appropriate educational activities and resources.
5. Utilise ICT tools, assistive technologies and specialised educational resources to enhance accessibility and learning.
6. Contribute to the preparation, implementation and monitoring of Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) in collaboration with teachers and other professionals.
7. Communicate and collaborate effectively with students, parents, guardians, teachers and other educational professionals while maintaining appropriate professional and ethical standards.
8. Promote equality, diversity, inclusion and the health and safety of children within educational settings.
9. Demonstrate professional responsibility, reflective practice and the ability to evaluate and improve their own performance as Learning Support Educators.

The course offers a practical and academic approach to knowledge, theory, and practice. Theory and practice are combined so that individuals can evaluate how their learning can be applied within the classroom. Practical work, assignments, tasks, and a professional learner’s portfolio will boost individual skills in supporting children with varied needs, working in an inclusive educational environment.

The programme is delivered over 30 weeks, totaling 30 ECTS, MQF Level 5, with instruction online involving interactive engagement through discussion, independent study and applied classroom practice. Through this format, the desired outcome of the programme is to produce thoughtful, well-informed, and responsible Learning Support Educators who can provide support in the Maltese education system.

Target Audience

The course is intended for individuals who wish to improve their knowledge, skills, and professional competences as Learning Support Educators (LSEs) in the Maltese education sector, more so towards the Learning Support Educator 2 (LSE 2).

This programme is designed for learners who have successfully gained the Learning Support Educator 1 Certification Course – the equivalent to a recognised 20-week LSA course or equivalent and are looking to further improve their skills supporting children with a range of educational needs, learning difficulties and disabilities.

This programme is aimed at those working currently as a Learning Support Educator / Supply LSE or those with prior experience in a school setting. Those wishing to become a Learning Support Educator soon might be able to access this programme, if they are able to do the practical aspects of the course.

This course is highly appropriate for individuals interested in deepening their knowledge base on inclusive education, differentiated instruction, Individual Education Plans (IEPs) and collaborative work in the educational setting.

Programme Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the Certificate in the Practice of Inclusive Education in the Classroom: Level 2, learners will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and professional competences necessary to support children with diverse educational needs, learning difficulties, and disabilities within the Maltese educational system. The learner will develop a comprehensive understanding of child and adolescent development, educational psychology, inclusive education, and differentiated teaching methods, enabling them to identify individual learning needs and apply appropriate strategies to promote effective learning and participation in the classroom.

Learners will be able to use specialised literacy and numeracy support strategies and the use of ICT and educational aids, and will be able to contribute to the development, implementation, and review of individual education programmes. They will be able to modify education activities and resources per the individual needs of the child, monitor the child’s progress and work effectively and co-operatively with teachers parent guardians and other education professionals to improve a child’s physical emotional social and intellectual development.

During the course, learners will develop their communication skills in the workplace, team working skills and problem-solving skills, while maintaining ethical responsibilities, respecting diversity and working towards inclusive education. They will develop the competences that enable them to take responsibilities as professional Learning Support Educators, and ensure equal learning opportunities for all, beyond ensuring health and safety in their work environment.

Module Learning Outcomes

D.1 Intra/Interpersonal Skills in the Inclusive Classroom 2 ECTS | MQF Level 5

This module will equip learners with the ability to employ interpersonal skills necessary for building positive, professional relations in inclusive teaching environments. Learners will comprehend the need for self-confidence, professional boundaries, effective communication, assertiveness, and ethical practice when engaging with children, parents, and carers and other educational professionals.

And, the module aims to boost learners’ knowledge of how to implement school policies and procedures, demonstrate suitable health and safety procedures and provide effective contribution to multidisciplinary team. Learners will build upon their ability to justify their ethical decisions, deal with challenging encounters and create a climate of safety, respect, and support through reflecting and evaluating professional circumstances.

D.2 Development of the child and Adolescent with a focus on Difference in Disability 2 ECTS | MQF Level 5

This module encourages learners to develop an understanding of the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of children and young people, with a focus on differences in development where a child has a disability or learning difficulty. They will study major theories of development and be able to recognise developmental delays and the role of professional assessment.

The learners will learn to observe and monitor children’s development, make sense of the relevant assessment information and modify activities per children’s developmental needs. This module will also encourage learners to work together with teachers, parents, and other professionals to prepare the correct procedures necessary to ensure children’s development, participation, and progress in inclusive classrooms.

D.3 Psychology of Learning for Disabled Children – 3 ECTS | MQF Level 5

Working with Children with SEND this module brings learners with the knowledge and understanding of the fundamental learning theories and principles of educational psychology relevant to supporting children with SEN, learning difficulties and disabilities. Learners will explore how psychological theories impact on learning motivation information processing and readiness for learning.

This module supports learners to identify the most appropriate means of teaching, using suitable learning activities and selecting strategies to meet individual learning needs. This module also increases learners’ ability to review the effectiveness of teaching and learning interventions, support overcoming barriers to learning and work in partnership with teachers and others to enable positive learning and educational development.

D.4 Inclusion, Diverse Needs and Differentiating Teaching 2 ECTS | MQF Level 5

This module builds on your knowledge of inclusive education, equality, diversity, and children’s rights in education settings. You will explore how Universal Learning Design, differentiated teaching, plus education policy and legislation impact on children with diverse abilities and needs by ensuring them equal opportunities to learn.

This module will enable learners to develop the skills to establish why learners may be reluctant to take part, adapt activities to the classroom and apply teaching strategies to suit individual learning needs. This module will also develop the skills to review inclusive practices, work alongside teachers and other practitioners and foster classroom environments that acknowledge difference, foster participation and promote learners’ educational progress.

D.5 Advanced Introduction to Literacy in the Classroom – 3 ECTS | MQF Level 5

This module enables learners to develop a specialised understanding of literacy development and the challenges experienced by children with diverse educational needs, learning difficulties and disabilities. Learners will examine the fundamental components of literacy, the processes involved in developing reading and writing skills, and the factors that may affect children’s literacy progression.

The module develops learners’ ability to identify literacy difficulties, apply appropriate teaching methodologies and design adapted educational resources. Particular emphasis is placed on multisensory teaching approaches, literacy assessment, the use of core competence checklists and collaboration with teachers and parents. Learners will also develop the capacity to monitor literacy progress, evaluate intervention strategies and provide individualised support that promotes effective literacy development.

D.6 Advanced Introduction to Numeracy in the Classroom – 2 ECTS | MQF Level 5

This module develops learners’ knowledge and understanding of numeracy development, with particular emphasis on supporting children who experience mathematical learning difficulties or disabilities. Learners will explore the fundamental components of numeracy, relevant core competences, teaching methodologies and potential barriers affecting the acquisition of mathematical knowledge and skills.

Learners will develop the ability to assess numeracy progression using appropriate checklists, identify individual learning difficulties and adapt mathematical activities according to students’ abilities and educational requirements. The module also introduces multisensory teaching strategies and encourages collaboration with teachers, parents and other educational professionals to support numeracy development, evaluate learning progress and promote positive mathematical learning experiences.

D.7 ICT in the Inclusive Classroom – 2 ECTS | MQF Level 5

This module enables learners to understand the role of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in promoting inclusive education and supporting children with diverse needs, learning difficulties and disabilities. Learners will examine the educational applications of computers, tablets, specialised software and assistive technologies, with particular emphasis on improving accessibility, participation and learning opportunities.

The module develops learners’ ability to identify appropriate technological resources, evaluate their suitability for different learning requirements and integrate ICT-based strategies into classroom activities. Learners will also strengthen their capacity to recognise barriers to learning, assess the effectiveness of assistive technologies and collaborate with teachers, ICT specialists, parents and other professionals to support students’ educational development.

D.8 Supporting Students with Diverse Profiles – 5 ECTS | MQF Level 5

This module develops learners’ specialised knowledge and practical understanding of the different educational requirements of children with diverse profiles, including intellectual impairments, learning disabilities, challenging behaviour, multiple disabilities, physical impairments, and visual and hearing impairments. Learners will examine the characteristics, strengths, challenges and individual needs associated with these profiles and explore appropriate strategies for promoting inclusive learning.

Learners will develop the ability to select and implement differentiated teaching methodologies, prepare adapted educational resources and utilise assistive technologies according to individual requirements. The module also strengthens their capacity to observe and evaluate students’ progress, contribute towards the development of appropriate Individual Educational Plan (IEP) goals, and communicate effectively with parents, teachers and other professionals. Particular emphasis is placed on reflective practice, individualised support and the promotion of meaningful participation in educational activities.

D.9 Writing and Implementation of IEPs – 2 ECTS | MQF Level 5

This module enables learners to understand the purpose, structure and importance of Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) in supporting children with diverse educational needs, learning difficulties and disabilities. Learners will examine the principles of effective educational planning, including the formulation of Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound (SMART) goals, and the application of Universal Learning Design principles.

Learners will develop the skills required to contribute to the preparation, implementation, monitoring and review of IEPs in collaboration with teachers, Inclusive Education Coordinators (INCOs), parents and other educational professionals. The module also develops their ability to assess students’ progress, evaluate the effectiveness of established goals, recommend appropriate adjustments and contribute to the preparation of transition reports that reflect individual educational development.

D.10 Practical and Learners’ Portfolio – 5 ECTS | MQF Level 5

This module enables learners to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical classroom experience while developing the professional competences required of a Learning Support Educator. Through practical experience in an appropriate educational setting, learners will apply inclusive teaching strategies, support children with diverse educational needs and evaluate the effectiveness of their professional interventions.

Learners will develop the ability to compile a structured professional portfolio containing evidence of their practical experience, adapted educational resources, case studies, observations and regular self-reflections. The module emphasises critical self-evaluation, reflective practice and continuous professional improvement, enabling learners to identify strengths, recognise areas requiring development and demonstrate their ability to provide individualised educational support. The practical component includes a minimum of 100 hours of relevant classroom-based experience.

D.11 Final Examination – 2 ECTS | MQF Level 5

This module provides learners with the opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and professional competences acquired throughout the programme through a comprehensive summative assessment. Learners will demonstrate their understanding of child development, inclusive education, differentiated teaching, professional communication, Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) and appropriate educational strategies for supporting children with diverse needs, learning difficulties and disabilities.

The assessment evaluates learners’ ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical classroom situations, exercise professional judgement, identify appropriate interventions and respond effectively to individual educational requirements. Through written assessment, practical observation and professional discussion, learners will demonstrate their capacity to work responsibly, maintain professional standards, evaluate educational progress and contribute effectively to inclusive classroom environments.

Programme Structure

Hours of Total Learning

The programme comprises a total of 750 learning hours, equivalent to 30 ECTS at MQF Level 5, consisting of 150 contact hours, 298 hours of self-study, 122 assessment hours and 180 placement hours, delivered over a period of 30 weeks.