NB Language of instruction is English
Description
This course focuses on theory and research surrounding learning and the ongoing evaluation of learning for special needs children. The focus of the course is on special needs children who receive their education in general education settings. The course begins with a focus on the cognitive and neurological processes of students with various disabilities. An emphasis is placed on how such processes affect the ability of special needs children to learn (including both academic and behavioral learning), and on how knowledge of these processes can help to inform educators about the design of instructional programs for these students. The focus then turns to Curriculum-based Measurement (CBM), a method used to systematically evaluate the effects of various instructional programs on the learning trajectory of special needs children, and to help educators build effective individualize programs for these students.
Course objectives
Students will:
1. Describe recent insights into the cognitive and neurological processes of learning for special needs children.
2. Discuss and evaluate the implications of these recent insights for the improving learning for special needs children.
3. Describe Curriculum-based Measurement (CBM), a systematic method for monitoring the progress of individual students with disabilities, and describe how the data are used to inform instructional decisions.
4. Discuss and evaluate the implications of using CBM for improving the learning trajectories of special needs children.
Achievement levels
1 Substantive knowledge
1.1 has profound knowledge of the various theories and methodological approaches common within the domain of one of the specialisations offered by the Master’s programme;
1.2 is able to analyse and conceptualise questions and problems in one of the specialisations offered by the Master’s programme;
1.3 has the capacity to identify a theoretical framework suitable for addressing problems and issues relevant for one of the specialisations offered by the Master’s programme;
1.4 has knowledge of models and methods of prevention and intervention relevant for one of the specialisations offered by the Master’s programme;
1.5 is acquainted with the professional field of the Master’s specialisation.
2 Research methods and statistics
2.1 is competent in methodological and technical research skills that are current in Education and Child Studies in general, and in the Master’s specialisation in particular;
2.2 is able to independently design, organise, and conduct research in one of the specialisations of the Masters’ programme;
2.3 is able to critically evaluate aspects of study design and methodology in empirical research.
3 Academic skills
3.1 describing and analysing practical and theoretical issues in human development from both a scientific and an ethical point of view;
3.2 analysing and evaluating scientific literature critically to establish its practical or theoretical relevance;
3.3 formulating a consistent line of reasoning, based on scientific arguments;
3.4 reporting orally and in writing on issues in human development both in an academic and in a professional context.
4 Professional conduct
4.1 connect scientific knowledge and insights to practical issues in human development;
4.2 analyse child-raising and/or educational issues and establish appropriate professional strategies;
4.3 collaborate with others and take responsibility in a professional team.
Mode of instruction
Lectures, presentations, and discussion.
Assessment method
Formulate and answer discussion questions from the assigned readings each week. Questions form the basis for the weekly discussion.
Work as a group to lead the class discussion about the assigned readings.
Complete research proposal focused on a topic related to class content.
Reading list
Study material will consist of recent book chapters as well as primary research articles from leading journals in education, psychology, and cognitive science.
All articles will be digitally available on Blackboard a few weeks before the beginning of the course.
Registration
Please note that separate uSis registration is mandatory for lectures, seminars, exams and re-exams. Student who do not register, cannot attend courses or take exams.
Courses
Registration for the lectures of the course is possible as of 100 calendar days through 10 calendar days before the first lecture at the latest;
Registration for the seminars of the course is possible as of 100 calendar days through 10 calendar days before the first seminar at the latest.
Blackboard
Exams
Student must register for each exam through uSis. This is only possible until 10 calendar days before the exam. More information on exam registration.
NB The exam of this course is a paper. This means that you do not have to register yourself for this exam in uSis.
Contact information
During this course professor Espin holds offices one hour immediately after classes. She can also be reached by email.