LEARNING TO ENABLE : A SPECIAL SCHOOL STUDY IN DEVELOPING ENABLING LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS

ISBN-13: 9783639136647 / Angielski / Miękka / 2009 / 256 str.

Michael Dobbins

Opis

Through one Headteacher s ethnographicanalysis of practice within his school, this book investigates how enabling environments can be achieved within special schools for pupils with severe learning difficulties. Drawing heavily on social constructivism and activity theory, a comprehensive analysis of the origins of special education is given, current models of disability are critiqued and the perspectives of pupils, staff and parents are explored. Major implications and recommendations for practice are set out alongside a new model for organisational analysis and improvement, based on a progressive view of special education. A new model of understanding the experience of disabled children and young people, centred on an interactive view of the individual and society, is put forward to support the development of enabling practices for all children. This book will be of interest to special educators in general and, in particular, to school leaders and policy-makers. Also, anyone thinking of embarking on prolonged study within their professional environment, especially Headteachers, will find this book invaluable.

O autorze

Dr Michael Dobbins is a Special School Headteacher with many
years experience
working in a range of special educational settings within
Northern Ireland. He is a past
recipient of the Biggar Award in Educational Studies from the
University of Ulster. He
lives and works in Derry City, Northern Ireland.