Conor Snowden plenary

An inclusive approach of working in the classroom Working with students with special educational needs

Special Educational Needs (SEN) Training Course (SEN) Training Course For teachers of English teaching primary and lower secondary learners and teachers teaching through the medium of English For teachers of English teaching primary and lower secondary learners and teachers Presentation by: teaching through the medium of English Conor Snowden, Director British Council Slovenia and Croatia

(some of) our learners special/additional learning needs:

Definition:

The term special educational needs covers a wide range of children who have a learning difficulty which calls for special educational provision to be made for them

Attitude change is fundamental to any success!

Special Educational Needs (SEN) Not all learners with SEN have a disability Not all learners with a disability have SEN Not all learners with SEN’s or similar disabilities have the same learning styles or learning needs

Social and Medical model of disability Medical Model

Social Model

Support agencies Social workers Occupational therapists Educational psychologists special schools Medication

Child centred approaches Start from individual strengths Focus on access to curriculum Integration for the benefit of the individual and all learners

The Visible and the hidden Recognised and unrecognised needs!

In any ‘average’ classroom approximately 10-15% (or more!) of learners will have specific learning difficulties (SpLDs) which may not be obvious or identified

British Council Teacher Training Course:

Raising awareness of SEN Learning Challenges Effective Teaching Strategies

Who is the course for?

classroom teachers classroom assistants all subjects B1 English at any stage of career

How is it delivered?

Online with two options:

1. Self-study with assessed portfolio

2. 100% self-study

Special Educational Needs (SEN) course contents:

Special Educational Needs Portfolio

Introduction to Special Educational Needs

Dyspraxia

Visual, Hearing and Physical Impairment

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Dyslexia

Gifted and Talented Learners

Inclusive assessment approaches

Speech and Language Difficulties

Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties

Multicultural Influences and the Impact on Learning Difficulties

Self-access certificate

Introduction to Special Educational Needs – an example of a unit This unit will introduce you to the topic of special educational needs in the mainstream classroom. You will gain an overall understanding of the topic, consider the issues which arise for the teacher and learner and gain some practical tips for creating an inclusive classroom.

Left and right brain Children who prefer right brain thinking might be good at creative things but may not do well in exams.

Activities and resources

Activities and resources

Portfolio

Assessed tasks in portfolio 1a) What do you think the main problems might be with the teacher’s seating plan?

(1 or 2 bullet points) 1b) What do you think the main problems might be with the teacher’s instructions?

(1 or 2 bullet points)

2a) How is the teacher feeling towards Ahmed and why is this a problem?

(2 or 3 bullet points) 2b) How is the teacher reacting towards Ahmed and why is this a problem?

Think about what the teacher is the saying and doing, when the teacher is noticing Ahmed, how the teacher is viewing Ahmed’s behaviour and what the teacher is noticing about Ahmed.

(3 or 4 bullet points)

Assessed tasks in portfolio

one hour of work eight successful tasks required for certificate certificate includes grade and signature

Thank you!

conor.snowden@britishcouncil.si More info about the course: www.britishcouncil.si under Teach English / Online courses for teachers