Workshop for educators of the visually impaired
Saturday, May 24, 2008
EDUCATORS who wish to assess and identify the special academic needs of their visually-challenged students should understand the various circumstances of visual impairment.
This crucial fact of teaching and learning was reiterated during an on-site briefing for a group of new relief teachers held Thursday at the Special Education Unit of the Ministry of Education.
The briefing was conducted by Masni Hj Bujang, an officer from the Special Education Unit who also currently serves as the assistant coordinator for the visually impaired programme.
Attending the briefing were 18 relief teachers, some of whom are veteran educators while the rest are still teaching in different mainstreams.
The contents of the briefing included a basic explanation on the term visual impairment and the different types commonly seen amongst students, how students can assist in recognising whether their fellow students may have sight problems and helpful strategies that can assist to ensure active learning for this special groups of students in classrooms.
A showcase of various adaptive or assistive learning aids for blind and low vision students was also included.
The main objective of this introductory course is to help teachers gain a better understanding of the special needs of students with disabilities and how they can deliver their teachings more effectively by only making minor changes in the way they teach in classrooms.
Masni said, "Students with visual impairment are no different from their regular-sighted classmates. They have the same level of intellect and are able to actively participate in regular classroom activities if the right support and proper modifications are implemented."
To date, more than 100 visually impaired students are registered under the special education unit.The Brunei Times
This crucial fact of teaching and learning was reiterated during an on-site briefing for a group of new relief teachers held Thursday at the Special Education Unit of the Ministry of Education.
The briefing was conducted by Masni Hj Bujang, an officer from the Special Education Unit who also currently serves as the assistant coordinator for the visually impaired programme.
Attending the briefing were 18 relief teachers, some of whom are veteran educators while the rest are still teaching in different mainstreams.
The contents of the briefing included a basic explanation on the term visual impairment and the different types commonly seen amongst students, how students can assist in recognising whether their fellow students may have sight problems and helpful strategies that can assist to ensure active learning for this special groups of students in classrooms.
A showcase of various adaptive or assistive learning aids for blind and low vision students was also included.
The main objective of this introductory course is to help teachers gain a better understanding of the special needs of students with disabilities and how they can deliver their teachings more effectively by only making minor changes in the way they teach in classrooms.
Masni said, "Students with visual impairment are no different from their regular-sighted classmates. They have the same level of intellect and are able to actively participate in regular classroom activities if the right support and proper modifications are implemented."
To date, more than 100 visually impaired students are registered under the special education unit.The Brunei Times
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