HOW WE DO SCHOOL FINLAND Ep 2: Teaching Twogether

Summary

This video script explores the collaborative and highly respected role of special education teachers, highlighting the benefits of co-teaching and teamwork in classrooms. It emphasizes the importance of special educators having a high level of training and education, and how they work together with mainstream teachers to support students with unique needs. Challenges like differing opinions and the need for national mechanisms to support integration between special and mainstream education are discussed. The script illustrates the value of collaborative teaching in fostering a supportive environment for all students.

Takeaways

• 😀 The teacher profession is highly respected, with competitive selection for programs that train teachers.
• 😀 Special education teachers play a crucial role in supporting students with unique needs, often working alongside regular teachers.
• 😀 The classroom setup involves mixing students from different backgrounds to promote social skill development and cooperative learning.
• 😀 Co-teaching allows for flexibility in grouping students and utilizing versatile teaching methods.
• 😀 Teachers collaborate closely to ensure a unified approach in front of the students, even if they disagree on certain methods.
• 😀 Special education teachers use tools like headsets and stress-relieving objects to help students concentrate and stay engaged.
• 😀 Educators are expected to be researchers of their own work, constantly reflecting and improving their methods to better serve students.
• 😀 Teachers, both special and mainstream, undergo similar training in educational sciences, fostering teamwork and a shared educational vision.
• 😀 The main challenge for special educators is the attitude of mainstream teachers who may resist co-teaching or collaboration.
• 😀 Effective collaboration between teachers, especially in a co-teaching setting, benefits students by providing additional support and varied teaching perspectives.

Q & A

What makes the teacher training program at the university highly competitive?

The teacher training program is highly competitive because out of over 1,000 applicants, only 30 are selected. This high selectivity ensures that the best candidates are chosen for the program.

What is the role of special educators in the classroom?

Special educators work alongside classroom teachers to support students with unique needs. They collaborate in teaching, assessing, and providing personalized assistance to students.

How does the collaboration between classroom teachers and special educators benefit students?

The collaboration allows for more flexible teaching methods and groupings, providing students with varied learning experiences. This teamwork helps address diverse learning needs and supports both educators in handling challenges.

What challenges might special educators face when working with mainstream teachers?

The main challenge is the attitude of some mainstream teachers, who may prefer teaching alone. Special educators might struggle to integrate fully if there is resistance to co-teaching or collaboration.

How do special educators handle differences in opinions regarding a child's needs?

While there might be differences in opinions, special educators and mainstream teachers discuss and resolve any issues privately, ensuring they present a united front to the students.

What strategies are used to help students with concentration difficulties?

Strategies include using tools like headsets, hands-on activities (e.g., plasticine), and extended playtime to help students stay focused and engaged in class.

What is the significance of high education levels for teachers, especially in special education?

High education levels are crucial because they ensure that teachers not only perform their duties but also reflect on their practice and engage in research. This continuous improvement is vital for effective teaching and adapting to the needs of students.

How are special education teachers trained in relation to mainstream teachers?

Special education teachers are trained alongside mainstream teachers in undergraduate programs in educational sciences, fostering teamwork and a shared understanding of educational goals and methods.

Why is collaboration between special educators and mainstream teachers important?

Collaboration ensures that all students benefit from diverse teaching methods. It allows educators to share responsibilities, split tasks, and provide a more comprehensive education to all students, especially those with unique needs.

How can special educators better understand what happens in mainstream schools?

Special educators can benefit from greater exposure to mainstream classrooms, allowing them to understand the curriculum and challenges faced by mainstream teachers. This understanding helps prepare students for the community by ensuring they have the skills needed for integration.