To develop new pathways of learning for children with SLD/PMLD/CLDD, we need to know
their current strengths, capabilities, interests
and needs.
Think of a child whom you know, but not well. If the child was unable to communicate
formally with you, list how you would find out about their strengths, capabilities,
interests
and needs.
Keeping this child in mind, you might be particularly concerned about one area of their development, and decide to see how you could improve their situation.
Inquiry in schools is often based on 'action research'. This involves identifying an issue which needs intervention, proposing a solution, implementing the solution, reviewing it, making changes to the intervention to increase its effectiveness, and then repeating the cycle until you are satisfied with the outcome.
This model is based on Kemmis and McTaggart, 1988.
Watch the first five minutes of this Teachers' Media video. Although it is set in a mainstream primary school, it clearly shows how the action research process works.
Think of a classroom situation that you think of as an issue in need of intervention.
What strategy would you try out to resolve it?
Imagine the strategy was successful. If somebody then questioned you about it,
what evidence would you need to prove that the
strategy worked?
Click here for a sample response.
Note down the actions that George's team took to provide suitable evidence of his progress.
Kemmis, S. and McTaggart, R. (eds) (1988) The Action Research Planner. Victoria, Australia: Deakin University Press.