Η κατάρτιση των εκπαιδευτικών σε θέματα Ειδικής Αγωγής: διερεύνηση της προσφοράς μαθημάτων Ειδικής Αγωγής στα Παιδαγωγικά Τμήματα της Ελλάδας

Περίληψη

This article attempts to outline the role of the teacher in the education of children with special needs. It focuses on the topic of teachers' and educators' formation regarding special education. The aim of this study was to investigate the offer of courses concerning special education in the Departments of Education and Departments of Primary Educa¬tion of the Universities of Greece. The courses offered in these Departments during the academic years 1992-93 to 1997-98 were categorized according their main subject. It was examined whether the courses were compulsory or elective. The content of the courses was coded by taking into account the information given in the summary of each course. It was found that the majority of courses referring to special education were elective. It was also found that there is little possibility for the students to practice during graduate stud¬ies as well as during in-service preparation. Courses dealing with topics such as diagnosis, counseling, therapy, communication, psychological problems and social integration of children with Special needs, appeared to be considerably few. Results are discussed in terms of the importance of teachers' formation in the perspective of integration.