Theoretical Foundations of Special Needs Education (5 cr)

Evaluation scale

Pass/Fail

Content scheduling

Kick-off webinar: Wed 17.9.2025 at 16 - 18
Closing webinar: Thu 27.11.2025 at 15 - 18
Participation in kick-off and closing webinars is essential.

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.

Materials

No exams on literature. Research publications in the field of special needs education and other applicable studies, websites and publications are also described in the online sections of the course.

Litterature:
- Moberg, S., Hautamäki, J., Kivirauma, J., Lahtinen, U., Savolainen, H. & Vehmas, S. 2015. Erityispedagogiikan perusteet. Uudistettu 4. painos. Jyväskylä. PS-kustannus.
- Jahnukainen, M. & Harrikari, T. 2024. Lasten erityishuolto- ja opetus Suomessa. Osa 3, s. 281-393.

In addition, the course will cover current research literature in special needs education.

Teaching methods

Open UAS students and Master's Degree education students: The course is implemented as online studies. The course has two webinars intended for everyone: a kick-off webinar and a closing webinar. The rest of the work will be done independently online, exploring the material and completing the learning assignments in the different sections. Students familiarise themselves with the literature used in the assignments and analyse the contents by mirroring them against their own work and professional field, and by reflecting on what they have experienced and read.

The course instructor provides guidance and help in selecting and using the materials and completing the tasks at the orientation webinar and, if necessary, at an individually agreed time.

Completion alternatives

In this study unit, you will meet the learning objectives by participating in the kick-off and closing webinar, familiarising yourself with the course materials and completing the related assignments.

Demonstration of competence:

You will demonstrate that you have achieved the intended learning outcomes 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.

Student workload

In total, the course consists of 135 hours (5 x 27h) of students’ work
- an orientation webinar 4 h
- and a closing webinar 5 h
- Self-directed learning in online environment 120 h
- Peer tutoring and self-assessment 5 h
- Feedback 1 h

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.

Further information

The assessment is qualitative and is based on learning objectives. Tools for evaluating the learning process include active participation in webinars, familiarisation with the online material and utilising the materials. The assessment material also includes learning assignments, online discussions and self-evaluation.