Speakers
Description
Many foreign language teachers in Japanese higher education institutions lack expertise knowledge of special needs instruction to teach Students with Disabilities (SWDs). Without guidelines, understanding how to adapt teaching approach and learning materials to accommodate these students can be difficult. This study describes successful strategies used to support students with various types of disabilities.
Abstract
Many foreign language teachers in Japanese higher education institutions are insufficiently prepared to teach students with disabilities (SWDs) as they lack expertise knowledge of special needs instruction. In this research, instructors reported feelings of anxiety in how to adapt their current teaching approach and learning materials to meet specific disabilities. Without guidelines, teachers must figure out on their own how to adapt their teaching approach and learning materials to accommodate SWDs. As part of a professional development initiative, this study describes typical challenges faced by teachers and successful strategies used in the foreign language classroom to support students with various types of disabilities. Qualitative data collected through interviews with teachers about their experiences teaching SWDs examined five key points: (1) key strategies used to create an inclusive classroom: (2) creating learning materials with a universal design, (3) flexibility with deadlines and changing assignments to ensure fairness, (4) considerations for classroom layout, and (5) managing the classroom effectively to accommodate SWDs with few disruptions. Following the interviews, the researcher was able to design a template for a professional development guidebook for teaching SWDs. Teachers’ first-hand experiences of teaching SWDs will be continuously inputted in order to create a comprehensive guide for various disabilities. The researchers hope to engage in reflective discussion with attendees to share experiences about teaching SWDs, especially teaching approach and learning materials which can create an equal learning opportunity for all students.
Keywords
Students with Disabilities; Language Teaching; Professional Development
Short summary
Many foreign language teachers in Japanese higher education institutions lack expertise knowledge of special needs instruction to teach Students with Disabilities. Without guidelines, teachers must figure out on their own how to adapt their teaching approach and learning materials to accommodate these students. As part of a professional development initiative, this study describes typical challenges faced by teachers and successful strategies used in the foreign language classroom to support students with various types of disabilities.
Special scheduling requests
My co-presenter has to get back on the Sunday and is traveling a distance. Saturday would be better for him.
| Scheduling preference | Anytime on Saturday |
|---|---|
| Title | Teaching Students with Disabilities: Professional Development for Teachers |