EDU-20019 - Module Specification School of Social, Political and Global Studies Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
For academic year: 2020/21 Last Updated: 25 February 2021
EDU-20019 - Special Education: introduction to theory and practice
Coordinator: Trinka Messenheimer
School Office:
Programme/Approved Electives for 2020/21
Available as a Free Standing Elective
Co-requisites
None
Prerequisites
None
Barred Combinations
None but priority will be given to Ed studies and BG students.
Description for 2020/21
This module introduces students to key debates, issues, and concepts in the field of inclusive/special education in the US. Rooted in a US context and taught by a guest tutor from the US, the module critically explores current and past theories and philosophies that provide the basis for current special education practice. The module also explores the applications of special/inclusive education research on classroom practice. In order to achieve this, students engage with debates and research on characteristics, assessment techniques, educational considerations, and the role of technology in meeting particular learning needs in the school context. Finally, they reflect on the consequences of special education theory and practice for the role of the teachers. Lectures include topics such as: 'Inclusion and Mainstreaming: Helpful or Harmful?'; 'Helping Children with Learning Disabilities to Succeed', 'Gifted and Talented in the Classroom: Is Special Education Necessary?'
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 assessments: 1explore 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 assessments: 1engage 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 assessments: 1reflect on the consequences of special education theory and practice for the role of the teachers; will be achieved by assessments: 1, 2apply 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 study50 hours preparation for written assignment
School Rules
None
Description of Module Assessment