EENET
asia Newsletters : inaugural issue JUNE
2005 Contents
Master Degree Programme in
Inclusion and Special Needs Education
Miriam D. Skjørten
The programme is based on experiences with
the International Master of Philosophy in Special Needs Education at the
University of Oslo. It has been tailored to meet the cultural context,
needs and requirements of Indonesia University of Education [UPI] and
has been developed in cooperation with UPI academic staff.
The programme is part of an extensive cooperation between the Government
of Indonesia represented by the Directorate of Special Education and the
Government of Norway, represented by Braillo Norway and the University
of Oslo on implementation of inclusive education in nine Indonesian provinces.
The goal of the Master Degree Programme is to provide upgrading and re-orientation
for teachers previously trained in special needs education as well as
regular teachers holding a Bachelor’s Degree.
It is a two-year full-time study programme and includes independent research
and the writing of a thesis. The areas of re-orientation include an holistic
child oriented approach to learning through:
• Understanding of child development
• Understanding the need and value of interaction, communication
and the importance of dialogue in the classroom
• Understanding the importance of promoting children’s self
esteem in relation to development, motivation and learning through positive
and resource-oriented interaction
• Understanding the “Convention on the Rights of the Child”
and its implication for education and development
• Understanding the importance of creating a learning-friendly environment
with regard to content, social relations, teaching approaches and methods
as well as teaching/learning materials
• Understanding the meaning and importance of active learning and
the development of creative and logical thinking
• Understanding the importance of continuous evaluation and assessment
by the teacher
• Understanding the concepts of inclusion and enrichment and ways
to implement it through differentiated learning/teaching
• Understanding of barriers to learning and development including
barriers caused by physical or mental impairments
• Understanding the concept of quality education and the need for
implementation of new approaches and methods
The programme engages the students in dialogues during lectures, group
discussions and group work. It aims at integrating theory and practice
using students’ experience and practical assignments. Group presentations
and plenary discussions are used during examinations. The aim is to promote
students’ ability to share and cooperate, which is needed when implementing
quality education in inclusive settings.
The lecturers plan together and work as a team. We hope that the holistic
approach in the Master Degree Programme will gradually have an impact
on education in general and that all children including those experiencing
barriers to learning will enjoy a joyful education in the future.
Miriam Donath Skjørten is
working at the University of Oslo and been involved in developing bachelor
and master degree programmes in Inclusion and Special Needs Education
in Uganda and Indonesia. She was the head of the International Master
of Philosophy Degree Programme in Special Needs Education at the University
of Oslo. She can be contacted at:
University of Oslo
Department of Special Needs Education
P.O.Box 1140
N-0318 Oslo
Norway
Email: miriam.skjorten@online.oslo.no
EENET asia
Newsletters : inaugural issue JUNE 2005
Contents
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