Basics of Special Pedagogy for Mentally Impaired Children (REK_215)
About Study Course
Objective
Explain the goals and objectives of special education in dealing with mentally retarded children, children with learning disabilities. Explain the degrees of mental disorders, clinical, psychological and pedagogical diagnosis (methods and techniques). Explain a typical and atypical child development, causes of mental retardation and the concept of retardation. To give an insight into the dysfunction of central nervous system (CNS), and the underlying clinical syndromes of mental retardation. To give an insight into the meaning of autistic spectrum disorder. To evaluate the role of pedagogical medical commission in choosing education programs for children with mental retardation. To give an insight into the history of special education from the Roman times till the 20th century. Provision of special education for children with mental retardation in Latvia. Creation of individual adjustment programs and plans, cooperation with parents/guardians.
Prerequisites
Anatomy, physiology, pedagogy, history of pedagogy, psychology.
Learning outcomes
On completion of the study course, students acquire the basic knowledge and expertise in special pedagogy and history of special pedagogy. Students will know the goals and objectives of special education, will gain knowledge of mental retardation interference levels, and learning disabilities, and mental retardation causing clinical syndromes. The student will acquire knowledge of special education programmes in Latvia; will be able to demonstrate knowledge in creation of individual correction programmes and plans.
On successful mastering of the study course students will be able to determine the degrees of mental disorder, to make pedagogical diagnosis and develop the educational process guidelines for children with mental retardation. Will be able to assess training opportunities for children with learning disabilities. Will be able to choose a variety of pedagogical methods and techniques, as well as will be able to create individual programmes and plans to suit the patient's functional capabilities.
As a result of successful mastering of the study course students will be able to practically apply the acquired knowledge and skills in assessment of language/communication skills of children with mental disabilities, disorder diagnosis and treatment process.
