Tina Hellblom-Thibblin

Biopsychosocial model and the ICF-CY in in-service training: general educators’ reflections

Abstract Provision of support to enhance participation of children with disabilities in inclusive classrooms is a challenge for general educators, special educators, and other professionals involved in work with children with disabilities. In this study, the biopsychosocial model in the ICF-CY has been used to construct in-service training for general educators about children with disabilities. The effects on in-service training have been evaluated through analysis of general educators’ reflections about their competence to meet special needs of children with disabilities at the end of the course. The results show that general educators consider ICF-CY model to be a useful tool in searching for explanations to problems that can arise in classroom but also expressed need for interprofessional collaboration. At the end of the course, the educators reflected on both pedagogical competence to meet children’s needs and knowledge about children with disabilities. The results raise the importance of knowledge about how different disabilities can be formulated and understood in a problem-solving process.

A Conceptual Approach to Teaching Mathematics to Students with Intellectual Disability.

Swedish compulsory school for students with intellectual disability (ID) has been criticized for focusing on care and not presenting the students with enough knowledge-related challenges. The purpose of this study is to investigate how a conceptually-based mathematics curriculum can be interpreted and constructed for students with ID. A total of 18 mathematics lessons in 6 classes for students with ID were filmed, and the teachers were interviewed in connection with the lessons. A qualitative content analysis approach was used to identify aspects of mathematical competency content and to analyze the teaching. Three major groups of teaching strategies are identified: pedagogical mathematics activities, focusing on students’ perceptions of mathematical content, and encouraging dialogue between students.

Teacher’s perspective on how to promote children’s learning in reading and writing

The aim of the study is to deepen the understanding of teacher’s perspective on how to promote all children’s learning in reading and writing in grade 1 of primary school. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in a Swedish context with 18 primary school teachers, representing a large collective experience from working as teachers in grade 1. The result shows there is a lack of sharing information and experiences, between preschool class and grade 1, concerning reading and writing activities and instructions. The teachers’ perspectives on reading and writing instruction can be described as pluralistic, in the sense that each teacher refers to several strategies and approaches to promote learning and development related to reading and writing. The variation of children appears to give meaning to the work of the teachers in the study, though it also is associated with challenges e.g. the experience of being alone and not sufficient to support children’s different abilities, experiences and needs. According to teachers in the study, the additional support in schools is more remedial than preventive since the resources are mainly invested in older students.

Challenges and Dilemmas--A Conceptual Approach to Children's Diversity in School.

Abstract The aim of this article is to discuss and problematise issues related to conceptual approaches to differences among children in the world of school education. The article is based on results from a Swedish study on categorisation of schoolchildren’s ‘problems’ from a historical perspective. Its central questions are: ‘What concepts are used to formulate children’s various educational needs, and how can these concepts be understood?’ Supported by an ecological analysis model, complex situations in the categorisation and problem-solving process are clarified. Using terminology to refer to pupils’ diverse abilities and needs involves aspects of categorising. An understanding of how this works may bring more profound knowledge of obstacles to children’s learning. The categorisation process illustrates effects both at individual level and more generally. Categorisation may be regarded as a useful practice for understanding children’s differences better, and thereby finding the best ways of responding to them. However, categorisation based on abilities and needs also adds a challenge to the important idea of inclusion. The article discusses categorisation as a basis for educational problem-solving and the implications of categorising children’s varying abilities and experience of school education. The theoretical premises enhance understanding of the dynamic nature of terminology usage, and thus future prospects of meeting challenges that may arise, in schools.

Diversity and Pedagogies in Educational Transitions

This chapter presents issues regarding diversity and inclusion from different perspectives, involving various aspects of children and young people’s learning and development related to educational transitions and practices. Several factors and conditions are highlighted as part of the explanation of how diversity can be understood and addressed pedagogically in different educational transitions. The chapter takes into account important issues on meeting diversity from an inclusive perspective with regard to the variety of cultural, socio-economic and individual conditions relating to young children’s learning and development.

Obstacles and Challenges in Gaining Knowledge for Constructing Inclusive Educational Practice: Teachers’ Perspectives

In this chapter we explore teachers’ perceptions of children’s diversity in different educational settings. Using interviews with teachers from Swedish preschools, preschool classes and the first grade in primary school, we aim to study transitions in school from the perspectives of several actors. The theoretical framework we employ is influenced by an ecological approach to understanding children’s needs in educational transitions. The teachers’ reflections on these three transitions emphasised the importance of context when responding to children’s needs. The teachers also described transitions as dynamic processes in which factors and conditions at different levels interact.

Educational Practices and Children’s Learning Journeys from Preschool to Primary School

Children all around the world pass through a number of transitions in educational systems. These transitions are organised in different ways in different countries. In Sweden, children pass through three school forms in early childhood education: preschool, preschool class and primary school. In a research project funded by the Swedish Research Council, the Swedish POET group conducted case studies in three municipalities, using participant observations, semi-structured interviews and focus group interviews. The aim has been to deepen the understanding of children’s learning journeys from preschool into school. A second aim has been to examine the long-term implications of educational practices across the transitions for children’s learning and participation. In this chapter, some findings from the research project are presented. The results show how the complex structure of Swedish early childhood education creates challenges for children and their learning journeys.