Introduction
This module will address the best methods for teaching people with learning difficulties. First, we will introduce techniques used with persons with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), such as DTT (Discrete Trial Training), PECS (Picture Exchange Communication System) and FCT (Functional Communication Training).
In these three sections, we will explain the theory and provide the steps for implementation.
The second part of the module deals with the issue of inclusive education and provides suggestions on how to create an inclusive and enjoyable environment for the students. This is crucial to integrate adults with learning difficulties into society.
Learning Outcomes
After completing this module, the learner will be able to:
- Become familiar with techniques for teaching students with ASD and the steps to implement these techniques.
- Become aware of the importance of inclusive education.
- Know how to create an inclusive classroom for all students, including those with learning difficulties.
- Became aware of the importance of education to integrate all people into society.
- Identify environmental and social barriers to inclusion and how to overcome them.
- Apply ideas for inclusive education practices in the classroom.
- Reflect on the common barriers faced by learners with special educational needs and learning difficulties.
- Develop a toolkit of general teaching approaches to make lessons more inclusive for learners with special educational needs and learning difficulties.
- Identify ways to adapt and improve teaching materials to make them more accessible.
Duration
Approximate time which learners will need to go through this module is 3 hours, including additional resources and annexes.
Requirements
There are no specific requirements to do this module. The only necessary thing is a computer and internet connection.
Annexes
Annex 1 (Bogin et al 2010)
Annex 2 (Collet-Klingenberg 2008)
Annex 3 (Franzone 2009)
Suggested resources for further reading
- MOOC Future Learn - Creating an Inclusive Classroom: Approaches to Supporting Learners with SEND in Computing: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/creating-an-inclusive-classroom-approaches-to-supporting-learners-with-send-in-computing
- MOOC Future Learn - Education for All: Disability, Diversity and Inclusion: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/education-for-all
- MOOC EDX - Teaching & Learning in the Diverse Classroom: https://www.edx.org/course/teaching-learning-in-the-diverse-classroom
- MOOC Coursera - Disability Inclusion in Education: Building Systems of Support: https://www.coursera.org/learn/disability-inclusion-education
- MOOC Future Learn - Create Accessible Interfaces: https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/create-accessible-interfaces
- MOOC Coursera - An Introduction to Accessibility and Inclusive Design: https://www.coursera.org/learn/accessibility
- Online Course “Assisting Differently Abled People with the Improvement of Their Emotional and Sexual Needs” that is part of the Erasmus+ project “Special Intimacy Needs Educator” https://www.specialintimacy.eu/course-en
- MOOC Coursera - Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects: https://www.coursera.org/learn/learning-how-to-learn
- The Inclusion Toolbox: Strategies and Techniques for All Teachers1st Edition, from Jennifer A. Kurth and Megan N. Gross
References
- Bogin, J., Sullivan, L., Rogers, S., & Stabel. A. (2010). Steps for implementation: Discrete trial training. Sacramento, CA: The National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders, The M.I.N.D. Institute, The University of California at Davis School of Medicine.
- Components of an ABA program – what is discrete trial teaching? Lizard Centre. (2017). Retrieved from https://www.lizardcentre.com/components-aba-program-discrete-trial-teaching/ .
- Pratt C., & Steward, L. (2018). Discrete trial training: What is it? Retrieved from Discrete Trial Teaching: What is it? Articles: Indiana Resource Center for Autism: Indiana University Bloomington
- Overcash, A., & Horton, C. (2010). The picture exchange communication system: Helping individuals gain functional communication. Autism Advocate, 3, 21-24
- Reeve, C. (2020). 10 reasons why I like the Picture Exchange Communication System. Autism Classroom Resources. Retrieved from https://autismclassroomresources.com/10-reasons-why-i-like-picture-exchange/ .
- Collet-Klingenberg, L. (2008). PECS: Steps for implementation. Madison, WI: The National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders, The Waisman Center, The University of Wisconsin.
- Andrew S. Bondy and Lori A. Frost (1994). Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities. Focus Autism 1994; 9; 1 DOI: 10.1177/108835769400900301. The online version of this article can be found at: The Picture Exchange Communication System - Andrew S. Bondy, Lori A. Frost, 1994 (sagepub.com)
- Durand, V. S. & Moskowitz, L. (2015). Functional communication training: thirty years of treating challenging behaviour. Topics in Early Childhood Special Education, 35(2), 116-126. doi:10.1177/0271121415569509
- Durand, M. (1990). Problemas graves de conducta: Un enfoque de entrenamiento en comunicación funcional. NY. Guilford.
- Franzone, E. (2009). Steps for implementation: Functional communication training. Madison, WI: The National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders, Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin.
- gov.uk. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.calderdale.gov.uk/v2/residents/education-and-learning/adult-learning/blog/adult-learning-disabilities .
- Debenham, L. (2018). Social Inclusion and Learning difficulties. Retrieved from http://www.aboutlearningdisabilities.co.uk/social-inclusion-learning-disabilities.html .