Students with SEN: Teaching and Learning
This course examines issues related to students with SEN and disabilities. In this course student teachers will develop an understanding of disability, familiarity with various disabilities and implications for teaching. In particular, this course examines the nature, the characteristics and the most effective teaching practices for students with low incident disabilities: mental retardation; autism; deafness and visual impairment. An important element in this course is designing learning opportunities that meet the instructional needs of students with disabilities in various contexts. The course highlights how to implement instruction in inclusive and special settings, and how to ensure that instruction is appropriate for children with SEN and disabilities.
Learning objectives:
•Examine the characteristics of students with mental retardation; autism; deafness and visual impairment
•Understand the communication needs of these students
•Examine the use of augmentative and alternative communication in the education of students with SEN and disabilities (e.g. signs, pictures, objects)
•Develop and select instructional content, resources, and strategies that respond to the needs of students with SEN and disabilities
Learning outcomes:
Students completing this course will be able to:
· Describe the basic characteristics of students with different types of special needs/disabilities (e.g. intellectual disability, autism)
· Understand the use of assistive technology in the education of students with special needs/ disabilities
· Demonstrate an understanding of the use of alternative and augmentative communication aids (e.g. MAKATON, PECS) in the education of students with special needs/ disabilities
· Design differentiated activities for students with special needs/disabilities.
· Design individual education plans for students with special needs/disabilities.
Teaching method: Lectures, group activities, videos
Assessment: Written exams or assignments at the end of the semester
