Hands-on, Hearts-In: Cultivating Effective Special Educators Through Immersive Experiential Learning

• In Event: Critcal Perspectives on Grading, Tutoring, and Justice in Schools

Abstract

This presentation shares findings from the experiential learning experiences of preservice special educators. Experiential learning is a core teaching method in special education curriculum (Leko et al., 2015) but little research, self-study, or reflection on the best approaches to prepare special educators in meeting ever increasing teaching demand. 58 preservice special educators were recruited and participated in this experiential learning project using Kolb’s Experiential Learning model. Results showed there were statistically significant differences between the pre- and post- results of the Experiencing Scale (Kolb, 2015). Three major themes emerged from the data based on the interview and reflections collected at the end of the term. Themes focused on a) shift belief in disability; b) gain self-confidence; c) understand interprofessional collaboration.

Author

• Pui Pui Phoebe Cheung, Yew Chung College of Early Childhood Education