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Module 1 Strand A1

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MODULE 1 STRAND A1

Major Theories and Perspectives

Reading Assignment: Bender Text, Chapter 1

Major Theoretical Perspectives Cross-indexed with the Four Functions of a Theoretical Perspective Refer to Bender text, p.19. Look for the strengths and weaknesses of each perspective. Emerging theories (constructivism & multiple intelligences) are not presented, too early to determine their impact.
A theory or theoretical perspective must serve several functions:

to define the population which is addressed

identify the group membership

must generate questions which are amenable to disproof

must suggest meaningful educational treatments

Summary of Perspectives in the Field of Learning Disabilities

Cognitive Processing Perspective

major influence from early history in field of LD (1950s-1960s)

Behavioural Perspective

major influence on classes for students with LD (1970s-1980s)

Meta-cognitive Perspective

major influence since 1985

dominant perspective more recently

expected to be dominant approach ion future

QUESTIONS TO PONDER:
Which perspective do you think most influences the approach (instructional techniques) you use to teach students with LD? Think about the problems with both the cognitive processing and Behavioural perspectives. Relate to your work on Assignment 1. Post your assignment in Caucus.

Historical Phases in the field of Learning Disabilities

Classical , Classroom Transition , Consolidation , Expansion , Retrenchment

Consider the current focus on INCLUSION: A PARADIGM SHIFT!
Themes currently prevalent in the Inclusion Debate include: inclusion as a philosophical issue, as a social issue, as an economic issue, as an instructional issue. (Note: A group of you might consider inclusion as a final research project for this course.

Strategy for Inclusion: To help you/others think differently about how to accommodate ALL students in regular education classrooms.

Step 1. Identify classroom environmental, curricular, and instructional demands.
Step 2. Note student learning strengths and needs.
Step 3. Check for potential areas of student success.
Step 4. Look for potential problem areas.
Step 5. Use information gathered to brainstorm instructional adaptations.
Step 6. Decide which adaptations to implement.
Step 7. Evaluate student progress.

(Steps designed to apply to a broad range of special needs/classroom environments-
Friend & Bursuck, 1996, p.21)

QUESTION TO PONDER:
How did each historical phase impact on the classroom and the teaching of students with LD?Relate thinking and discussions to Assignment 2. Post assignment 2 in Caucus .

           M1 "Light"er Side M1 Assignments