Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

School: Education

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  Trauma Informed Practice

• Unit Code

  EDU6004

• Year

  2021

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  1

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  Online

• Unit Coordinator

  Dr Kay Elizabeth AYRE

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Description

Teaching children and youth who have experienced adversity and trauma is difficult. In schools and other educational settings, trauma-informed practice aims to increase recognition, realisation and the informed response of teachers towards students impacted by adversity and trauma (SAMHSA, 2014). Building understanding, knowledge and skills in trauma-informed practice is essential to assist teachers to interact positively with these students. Research indicates when a teacher is 'trauma-informed' they understand and recognise the impact adversity and trauma can have on development, behaviour and learning. In turn, they are better able to respond effectively to these students with understanding and care. This unit examines the unique capabilities of children and youth who have experienced trauma and provides teachers with theory and practical strategies to help support the complex social and emotional needs of these students.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Examine the types, prevalence, neurobiology and impacts of trauma on childhood and adolescent development.
2. Analyse the effects trauma has on the physical, emotional and social development of children and adolescents to justify the importance of universal growth needs of all children.
3. Identify adaptive responses by evaluating challenging emotions and behaviours in children and young people.
4. Apply the principles of trauma-informed practice to support positive relationships with challenging children and young people.

Unit Content

1. Understanding trauma - adversity, childhood maltreatment and complex trauma.
2. Altered development - the impact of trauma on development, the brain and learning.
3. Behaviour through a trauma lens - thinking differently about challenging behaviour, strategies to respond, regulate and re-engage.
4. Making connections - the impact of trauma on relationships, understanding attachment and the need for care and connection before curriculum.
5. Trauma-responsive schooling - trauma-informed practices in classrooms and schools, creating safe spaces for learning. Teaching related stress and self care.
6. Vulnerable populations - children and young people living with domestic violence, refugees/asylum seekers, Indigenous Australian children and those in foster care.

Learning Experience

ON-CAMPUS

Students will attend on campus classes as well as engage in learning activities through ECUs LMS

For more information see the Semester Timetable

ONLINE

Students will engage in learning experiences through ECUs LMS as well as additional ECU l

Additional Learning Experience Information

Workshops/seminars, Case studies, Group discussions, Student presentations, Skill based workshops. The activities will be designed with a commitment to sensitivity to gender, cultural and social diversity. Students will be expected to use information technology as a research tool and aid to reflecting on classroom practice. Students will support and help contribute to a professional and collegiate group culture in line with accepted behaviour management theory.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant School Progression Panel.

Core Reading(s)

• Ayre, K., & Krishnamoorthy, G. (2020). Trauma informed behaviour support. A practical guide to developing resilient learners. University of Southern Queensland.

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