School of Public Policy and Professional Practice  
 
 
EDU-20019 Special Education: introduction to theory and practice  
Co-ordinator: Mr William Morrison     
Teaching Team: Miss Tracy  Roberts, Miss Jo-Anne  Watts  
Lecture Time: See Timetable...  
Level: 2 Credits: 15 Study Hours: 150  
School Office:
 
 
 
Programme/Approved Electives for
Educational Studies Dual Honours (Level 2)
Educational Studies Major (Level 2)
Educational Studies Minor (Level 2)
Available as a Free Standing Elective
Yes
Barred Combinations
None but priority will be given to Ed studies and BG students.

Prerequisites
None
Description

This module will introduce students to key debates, issues and concepts in the field of inclusive/special education. It will critically explore current and past theories and philosophies that provide the basis for current special education practice. The module will also explore the applications of special/inclusive education research on classroom practice and, the applicability of pedagogic strategies from one context to another but with a particular focus on comparisons across UK and US contexts. In order to achieve this, students will engage with debates and research on characteristics, assessment techniques, educational considerations, and the role of technology in dealing with particular learning needs in the school context. Finally, they will reflect on the consequences of special education theory and practice for the role of the teachers.
Aims
a. To explore current debates around particular forms of disability and exceptionality and relate these to research about classroom practice;

b. To explore the ways in which the theory of special education is carried into professional practice. The critical role of teachers is at the core of the module;

c. To introduce students to particular learning needs as well as teaching strategies and issues related to pedagogy.
Intended Learning Outcomes
  • Outline and evaluate current and past theories and philosophies that provide the basis for special education practice will be achieved by assessment: 1

  • Explore the applications of research on particular disabilities on classroom practice and, the applicability of pedadgogic strategies from one context to another will be achieved by assessment: 1

  • Engage critically with debates and research on characteristics, assessment techniques, educational considerations, and the role of technology in dealing with particular learning needs in the school context will be achieved by assessment: 1

  • Reflect on the consequences of special education theory and practice for the role of the teachers will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2

  • Apply key concepts related to inclusion/special education across educational and international contexts with a particular focus on the US and the UK will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2



Study hours
22 contact hours (9 lectures; 9 seminars; 2 hour workshop on assessment; 2 hour group presentation)
44 hours preparation for seminars including group presentation
34 hours private study
50 hours preparation for written assignment
Description of Module Assessment
01: Essay weighted 100%
An essay of 3,500 words to be selcted from a list of options relating to module themes.
02: Group Presentation
Formative group presentation on a topic of interest selected by the group. Findings to be reported to class.
Groups to include both Bowling Green and UK students.
Version: (1.06B) Updated: 03/Mar/2013

This document is the definitive current source of information about this module and supersedes any other information.