The course helps the student to understand how applied behaviour analysis (ABA) can be used to identify a student’s special educational needs. It will expose the student to the theoretical models that explain conditions under which humans behave. The student further examines multiplicity of interrelated paradigms underpinning classroom management. The course will encourage the student to study and understand individual and group behaviour patterns and structures in order to improve classroom performance and effectiveness. Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to design and apply behaviour management techniques for making positive changes in students’ academic, social and/or affective behaviour.
The practicum helps the student to actualize theory with practice. The student identifies and assesses a child with special educational needs. The student will be able to assess, design and implement an individualized education plan (IEP) for the child. The student will also be expected to work for two semesters with teachers, parents and the community in meeting the needs of the child.
In this course, the student will critically examine issues related to special education assessment policies, the selection of appropriate assessment instruments (e.g. the use of formal and informal assessment techniques), the role of the multi-disciplinary team, and parental involvement. More emphasis will be placed on assessment procedures in Ghana. At the end of the course, the student should be able to adopt appropriate assessment procedures that meet the needs of the child.
This course is aimed at enabling students to examine various policies in special and inclusive education. These will include policies in the international as well as the Ghanaian context. Effective Strategies in special and inclusive education for policy makers will be discussed. At the end of the course, the student should be able to formulate special and inclusive education policies that meet the needs of his or her community.
In this seminar, the student will be expected to demonstrate knowledge and skills in designing and analysing small samples and single subject research methodologies in solving problems in Special Education. The student is expected to provide an overview of historical and philosophical foundations and issues in behavioural assessment. The student further examines underlying principles, strengths and limitations of single subject research designs, and methods of data analysis. At the end of the course, the student should be able to demonstrate an understanding and competence in behavioural measurement, critiquing, summarizing, and presenting information related to single subject research investigations.
This course is meant to examine international and national legislations, and ethical considerations relating to the field of Special Needs Education. Students will be introduced to critical analysis of existing policies from selected countries, conventions on the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs), Disability Acts, code of ethics and standards for special educators. Emphasis would be put on the development of legal frameworks and sound policies and procedures to ensure an appropriate education for students with special educational needs and disabilities. Issues related to human rights, equality, equity, fairness and inclusive education will be discussed. The course will further examine procedures that protect the rights and responsibilities of persons with disabilities (PWDs) as well as parental involvement and partnerships. Finally, students will be encouraged to undertake some comparative analysis of special and inclusive education policies in Ghana and other countries.
The seminar focuses on early childhood development and the theories underlying disabilities. The seminar provides specialised preparation in screening and assessment of young children, early intervention strategies and behaviour management of infants and preschool children. Issues related to early childhood care and policies for infants with special educational needs and disabilities as well as appropriate support to their parents will be discussed. The student will explore various research findings about how infants and young children develop and learn. Studies undertaken in the African environment and their implications for special educators will be examined.
This course discusses the theoretical and management aspects that govern the broad view of Special and Inclusive Education administration. Topics covered in the course include leadership decision making, communication, organizing, planning, and implementation. Also discussed is the use of authority and decentralization and delegation of authority. The student also does analysis of existing legislations, litigations and administrative rulings related to special and inclusive education. Issues related to equality, equity and fairness will be discussed. The student will further examine procedures that protect the rights and responsibilities of persons with disabilities (PWDs).
The course exposes students to a range of issues, principles and practices in educational inquiry and research. Procedures and methodologies used in carrying out research in education and psychology as well as applied statistics are investigated. The course entails an in-depth overview of educational research methods, including planning and conducting valid and reliable research and the dissemination of research outcomes. The course provides students with skills and knowledge in quantitative research inquiry. An overview of appropriate statistical tests in quantitative inquiry is covered as well as ethical issues in research.
The student is assigned supervisors who will guide him/her to identify a research topic to investigate based on the College of Education Studies and the University format on graduate thesis writing. The student reviews related literature, collects and analyses data and presents final report.