EDU-20019 - Special Education: introduction to theory and practice
Coordinator: Aneta Hayes Tel: +44 1782 7 33556
Lecture Time: See Timetable...
Level: Level 5
Credits: 15
Study Hours: 150
School Office:

Programme/Approved Electives for 2022/23

None

Available as a Free Standing Elective

Yes

Co-requisites

None

Prerequisites

None

Barred Combinations

None but priority will be given to Ed studies and BG students.

Description for 2022/23

This module introduces students to key debates, issues, and concepts in the field of inclusive/special education. Rooted in a US context and taught by a 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 and the applicability of pedagogic strategies from one context to another with some comparisons made across US and UK contexts. 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?'

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.

Talis Aspire Reading List
Any reading lists will be provided by the start of the course.
http://lists.lib.keele.ac.uk/modules/edu-20019/lists

Intended Learning Outcomes

outline and evaluate current and past theories and philosophies that provide the basis for special education practice: 1
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: 1
reflect on the consequences of special education theory and practice for the role of the teachers: 1
apply key concepts related to inclusion/special education across educational and international contexts with a particular focus on the US and the UK: 1
explore the applications of research on particular disabilities on classroom practice and, the applicability of pedadgogic strategies from one context to another: 1

Study hours

22 contact hours (10 lectures; 10 seminars; 2-hour workshop on assessment)
44 hours of preparation for seminars
34 hours private study
50 hours preparation for written assignment

School Rules

None

Description of Module Assessment

1: Essay weighted 100%
An essay of 2,000 words to be selected from a list of options relating to module themes
Students are required to write an original essay of 2,000 words, to be submitted via Turnitin. The essay will count as 100% of their final mark. The students will be given 5 essay topics to choose from. They will be required to select one topic.