Your task is to
prepare the wording for a pamphlet that summarises the key points of ONE
Specific Learning Difference (SLD). Choose one of the Specific
Learning Differences (SLDs) that we have covered in class (e.g. Autism,
ADHD or Dyslexia). You will also be required to create a support document
that explains the academic research that evidences and supports the information
that you have included in your pamphlet.
Word
count – 2000 words in total
Guide – 300-500 words for the pamphlet
and 1500-1700 words for the Support Document
You will be
required to develop the wording for a pamphlet/online factsheet. A pamphlet is
similar to a leaflet – a short booklet of information. You DO NOT need to
prepare the graphics or layout, just the wording.
You must decide
on who your target audience is. Your target audience can be either
·
Parents/carers of children
with a diagnosed SLD
·
Teachers – who have
children with diagnosed SLDs in their classes or
·
Volunteers/Employees/Professionals – who work
with children e.g. counsellor, holiday activity leader, lifeguard,
youth-worker, religious leader, retail assistant in children’s clothing/toys
etc.
Make it clear
in your pamphlet title and your support document who the target audience is. In
the support document, briefly explain how the communication may need to
be adapted to that particular audience. For example, for a lifeguard, you may
want to focus on the differences they might encounter in their role e.g. motor
skills, processing verbal instructions. You are also welcome to target a
particular area/population/culture who might benefit from a particular approach
in communications – again, be clear about your choice and briefly state the
reasons for your choice in the support document.
Guidelines
for developing your Pamphlet (300-500
words)
Your aim here
is to communicate clearly with your target audience. Your audience is unlikely
to understand the academic language used in academic textbooks and in the
research. Your job is to communicate the important points in a clear and easy
way, that the layperson can understand. Readers with a relatively low
educational achievement and no knowledge of psychological terms should be able
to understand your pamphlet easily. This is an important skill that graduate
employers are particularly interested in.
Some points to
consider
Ø
Who is the target population – age,
culture, ethnicity, religion etc? And how is this relevant e.g. if you have
chosen a particular culture as your target audience, are there cultural
differences in how they understand and respond to learning differences in
children? (This information may change the tone and words that you include and
which aspects of the SLD you emphasise in the pamphlet.).
o
Do they need this information?
o
Why is it important?
o
BEWARE! Do not focus on explaining the
features of your chosen audience (max 150 words). Your focus should always be
on explaining the SLD
Ø
What subsections/subheadings
will you use in your pamphlet?
o What is the key information that your target
population needs to know?
o
Can you
categorise these into subheadings e.g. ‘What caused my child’s autism?’
(genetic v environmental causes) or ‘how can I best help my child?’
(interventions)
o
For example, a
teacher may need information specifically around how to support a child with
this SLD to engage in academic learning e.g. learning to read. Whereas a parent/carer
might need more information about behavioural interventions that can support
their child at home.
Ø
What is the rationale for what you
have included? What research supports the choices you have made?
Ø
How can I make the information easy to
read?
Ø
Keep the information up to date – e.g.
use recent research/data.
Ø
Present the facts based on the most
current research
o
Avoid scare-mongering
o
Avoid preaching – target your message
to your audience
o
Avoid giving false hope or misleading
information
Ø
The pamphlet does not need to include citations
– unless you are addressing an audience that you think would be particularly
concerned that the pamphlet was research-based. Citations should be included in
the support document with a full reference section on a separate page at the
end of the document, entitled References.
Guidelines for writing-up your Support Document (1500 words)
This document should provide the academic
support for the information that you have included in your pamphlet. In
contrast to the pamphlet, this document should be written in an academic style
and should be written in the third person. It should explain why you have
included the information that you have selected to include, and it should explain
and cite the theory and research that supports your selection. It is also
appropriate to explain why some research/theories have been omitted, for
example if they are unhelpful in this context, or they have been refuted by
more current research. This provides you
with an opportunity to critically evaluate the research – and you are
encouraged to do so to earn the highest marks.
Structure your support document using the
same sections/subheadings as your pamphlet, and in the same order, so it is
clear how each section of your pamphlet is evidenced and supported by research
and theory. For example, if the first section/subheading in your pamphlet is
“What is Autism?”, start your support document with the same subheading and
explain what autism is in more detail, citing the sources for your explanation.
Overall, you may wish to
consider the following structure
Introduction: SLD and target audience
(300 words approx.)
a. Define and describe the SLD, citing your sources (e.g. DSM, ICD)
b. Explain who the target audience is
i. Briefly explain why your target audience needs information on the SLD and
if they need this information presented in a particular way or with particular
attention to certain aspects of the SLD
ii. Explain the key information your target audience needs and briefly
explain why
Use the same subheadings in your support
document as the subheadings/subsections that you have used in your
pamphlet (1000 words). Cite and explain the research that evidences the
information that you have included in each subheading.
Conclusion (150 words approx.)
a. Key points of your write-up
b. Why your pamphlet will work to address your target audience
4. References (APA) – the support document MUST include citations (to avoid
plagiarism) and must be accompanied by a full reference section on a separate
page at the end of the document, entitled ‘References’. In-text citations and
the accompanying full references at the end, should be in the most current APA
format.
