| Credit |
6 points |
| Availability |
Semester 1 |
| Old unit code |
300.492 |
| Outcomes |
Students are able to (1) describe the general behaviour management techniques used with mainstream school students; (2) understand the concept of 'at risk' and the importance of reputation in the development and maintenance of risk status; (3) understand the aetiology, prevalence, classification and characteristics associated with various categories of psychopathology; (4) delineate Disruptive Behaviour Disorders (i.e. ADHD, ODD and CD) and delinquency; (5) differentiate early onset life course persistent versus adolescent limited trajectories and juvenile psychopathy; (6) evaluate the major issues pertaining to assessment, labelling, placement and evaluation; (7) understand the treatment applications comprising the pharmacological and non-pharmacological management of childhood and adolescent disorders; and (8) understand the importance of ecological validity in assessment and management of disorders. |
| Content |
This unit includes an introduction to the general behaviour problems encountered in mainstream schools and how they are managed by teachers. The constructs of risk and reputation are examined. It covers school aged students who deliberately present with behaviour problems and engage in antisocial behaviour. The reasons why they do so are also discussed. Examples of the disorders (and their management) covered in the course include Disruptive Behaviour Disorders (ADHD, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and Conduct Disorder), Juvenile Psychopathy, Tic Disorders and Tourette syndrome, and Pervasive Developmental Disorders.
The unit involves students in a number of practical exercises aimed at familiarisation with the tasks they are required to perform in their roles as school psychologists and special educators. An introduction to the clinical interview and taking developmental history as assessment techniques are examined and substantiated with practical assignments. |
| Assessment |
This comprises a fact sheet on childhood disorders (40 per cent) and a developmental history/interview (60 per cent).
Supplementary assessment is not available in this unit except in the case of a student enrolled in the Graduate Diploma in Education who has obtained a mark of 45 to 49 and is currently enrolled in this unit, and it is the only remaining unit that the student must pass in order to complete their course. |
| Unit Co-ordinator(s) |
Winthrop Professor Stephen Houghton |
| Location |
UWA (Crawley) |
| Mode |
on-campus |
| Unit Rules |
Contact hours—lectures/seminars: 2.5 hrs per week for 10 weeks
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| Texts | |
Readings are made available on a weekly basis by the unit co-ordinator. |
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- The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of going to press but may be subject to change.
- Assistance with study skills, including English language skills, is available free of charge from Student Services for all enrolled students (see http://www.studentservices.uwa.edu.au/ss/learning). Student Services location: Second Floor, South Wing, Guild Village; telephone: 6488 2423.
- Books and other materials wherever listed may be subject to change. Book lists relating to 'Preliminary Reading', 'Recommended Reading' and 'Textbooks' are, in most cases, available at the University Co-operative Bookshop (from early January) and appropriate administrative offices for students to consult. For first-year units the Bookshop will endeavour to make available photocopies of book lists for individual units. Books marked with an asterisk (*) are available in paperback.
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