OTHM Level 4 Award in Principles and Practice of Lip-reading Teaching

This OTHM Level 4 Award equips learners with the essential skills to support adults with acquired hearing loss through effective lip-reading instruction.

• 12 credits qualification regulated by Ofqual

• 100 hours Total Qualification Time with 48 Guided Learning Hours

• One mandatory unit covering comprehensive lip-reading teaching principles

• Equivalent to Year 1 of a UK Bachelor's degree programme

• Flexible delivery options including face-to-face, distance, and online learning

• Internal assessment and external OTHM verification

The OTHM Level 4 Award in Principles and Practice of Lip-reading Teaching is designed to develop learners' understanding of the principles and practices of lip-reading so they can apply their knowledge across various educational contexts. This qualification provides an opportunity to develop specialist knowledge, understanding, and techniques needed to become an effective teacher of lip-reading.

• Develop understanding of hearing physiological processes and psychological functions

• Analyze factors and impacts of acquired hearing loss on individuals

• Evaluate hearing aids, implants, and assistive equipment options

• Master specialist techniques for teaching lip-reading to adults

• Understand phonology of spoken English for lip-reading applications

• Learn about services offered by agencies supporting hearing loss

This qualification provides comprehensive learning outcomes covering the physiological, psychological, and practical aspects of lip-reading teaching for adults with acquired hearing loss.

• Understand the physiological processes and psychological functions of hearing

• Analyze factors leading to acquired hearing loss and its psychological, social, and emotional effects

• Evaluate hearing aids, implants, and the roles of health professionals in supporting hearing loss

• Explain aspects of phonology in spoken English relevant to lip-reading teaching

• Demonstrate specialist techniques including voice and devoice methods for lip-reading development

• Evaluate assistive equipment and services offered by agencies to those with acquired hearing loss

This qualification is designed for learners aged 19 and above who wish to develop specialist expertise in teaching lip-reading to adults with acquired hearing loss.

• Educators and trainers seeking to specialize in hearing loss support

• Teachers working with adults who have acquired hearing loss

• Speech and language therapists expanding their skill set

• Special education professionals supporting diverse communication needs

• Community support workers in hearing loss services

• Aspiring lip-reading teachers and communication specialists

Entry requirements ensure learners have the appropriate foundation to successfully undertake the qualification and achieve the required learning outcomes.

• Minimum age of 19 years at course commencement

• GCSE English Language graded 9-4 or equivalent qualification

• Relevant vocational or academic qualification at least one level above learner level, ideally minimum Level 3 in specialism area

• Good unaided hearing ability

• Minimum core competency in literacy, language, numeracy, and ICT

• Alternative entry: Mature learners over 21 with relevant experience (subject to centre approval)

• English language competency evidence required for non-native English speakers

All units are internally assessed by the centre and externally verified by OTHM, using criterion-referenced assessment based on achieving all specified learning outcomes.

• Research Log and Research Evaluation Report covering physiological processes, psychological functions, and effects of acquired hearing loss

• Case Study addressing hearing aids, health professional roles, phonology of spoken English, and lip-reading strategies

• 15-minute Presentation with speaker notes demonstrating specialist teaching techniques and evaluating assistive aids and services

• Evidence must fulfill all learning outcomes and meet all assessment criteria standards for a pass

Successful completion of this qualification opens pathways for academic progression and professional development in education and hearing loss support sectors.

• Progress to relevant OTHM Level 5 qualifications in education or specialist areas

• Potential direct entry to Year 2 of a three-year UK Bachelor's degree programme

• Employment opportunities teaching lip-reading in educational settings

• Roles in community support organizations working with hearing loss

• Specialist positions in adult education and training contexts

• Career development in hearing loss advocacy and support services