Theoretical Foundations of Special Needs Education (5cr)

Objective

The purpose of the study unit:

During this course, you will familiarise yourself with the value base of special support and knowledge formation in special needs education. You will familiarise yourself with scientific publications and examine the use of applied research data in special education solutions. You will reflect on the practices and pedagogical solutions of special support. You will assess the effectiveness and significance of special support for the individual and the community.

Study unit competences:

In this study unit, you will promote and develop your
Development competence,
which means the ability to explore and use research data about special needs education. Development competence is put into practice when planning and implementing inclusive solutions.

Reflection competence,
which refers to conscious reflection and a critical and investigative approach to implementing education, teaching and special support. It also includes the ability to act in accordance with inclusive principles in the development of vocational special needs teaching and special support.

Learning objectives:
In your work, you will comply with the principles of professional ethics associated with special support. You will be able to use research in the field of special needs education to evaluate and develop the foundations of your own work.

Content

Theory and philosophy of special needs education: terminology and concepts, paradigms that guide the actions, applied information in practice. Special needs education as a discipline.
Applied research as a tool for developing special support in vocational education and training. Research-based development of vocational special needs teaching.
The importance and practice of scientific research as a tool for the planning, implementation and development of special support. Topical themes in special needs education.

Items of Assessment:
Assignment 1 You will demonstrate that you have achieved the intended learning out-comes by completing the learning assignments of the online course. The tasks will show that you are familiar with the research data and literature in the field of special needs education.

Assignment 2 will bring together the intended learning outcomes of the course. In it, you will reflect on the methodological choices in the specific research you have examined, the creation of the results, and their significance and applicability to education and training. In this assignment, you will also record justified proposals for further research topics. In the closing webinar of the course, you will demonstrate your competence by presenting a summary of the final task, participating in the discussion in an informed manner, and by giving written peer feedback on a corresponding task to a fellow student.

Assessment criteria, approved/failed

The criteria for assessing the approved level are as follows:

Development competence:
You will understand the possibilities of how knowledge building, and applied information in special education research, can facilitate the practical solutions of special support. You will be able to apply research data to the development of your and your work community’s competence in special support.

Reflection competence:
You will be able to reflect on the basic concepts, values and attitudes related to diversity, special support and participation in your own professional field. You will be able to set yourself goals for developing an inclusive operating environment.

0 (Fail):
The student does not achieve the competence goals of the course

Further information

The course is intended for students in vocational special needs teacher education.
The course is also suited for those completing their teacher education and those who want to learn more about special needs education.