PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME

To develop in candidates a high level of awareness and understanding of inclusive education in diverse socio-cultural contexts. To produce specialists who are innovative and versatile in lesson delivery and in the production and use of instructional materials in creative and sustainable ways to transform the teaching and learning experiences.

2.0 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Normal Entry:  A teaching diploma in either ECD/ Infant Education, Primary Education, Secondary Education or an equivalent recognised by Midlands State University.

3.0 PROGRAMME CHARACTERISTICS

Areas of Study: Inclusive Education 

Specialist Focus: Training teachers in Inclusive Education and Assistive Technologies and emphasising the physical, social, intellectual, emotional and moral development of learners through innovative and sustainable methods.  

Orientation:  The teaching and learning process is driven by critical thinking, innovation and the development of entrepreneurial skills, culminating in the production of goods and services in the context of inclusive education in primary school.

4.0 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES AND FURTHER EDUCATION

Employability: Graduates can be employed as supervisors, special care unit managers, teachers, education officers, curriculum developers, consultants, remedial tutors etc.

Further Studies: Master’s and Doctoral Studies in Inclusive Education and Assistive Technologies

5.0 PROGRAMME DELIVERY

Teaching and Learning Methods: Lectures, tutorials, and virtual lessons in various forms such as Google classes, seminars, group tasks, research projects, and individual independent study.

 PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

Level 1 Semester 1

Code	Module Description	Credits
BCHS101	Culture and Heritage Studies	12
BIEAT101	Introduction to Inclusive Education and Assistive Technologies	12
BIEAT102	Psychological Issues in Inclusive Education and Assistive Technologies	12
BED133	Information and Communication Technology in Education	12
BIEAT103	Sociological and Contemporary Issues in Inclusive Education and Assistive Technologies	12
BIEAT104	Philosophical Issues in Inclusive Education and Assistive Technologies	12

Level 1 Semester 2

Code	Module Description	Credits
BIEAT105	Adaptations for Sensory and Neuro-developmental Disabilities	12
BIEAT106	Adaptations for Locomotor and Multiple Disabilities	12
BIEAT107	Curriculum Planning and Design	12
BIEAT108	Adaptations for the Gifted/Talented Learner and Children in Difficult Circumstances	12
BED131	Research Methods and Statistics	12
BIEAT109	Sign Language, Braille, and Other Curriculum Languages	12

Level 2 Semester 1

Code	Module Description	Credits
BIEAT201	Mathematics, Science, and Technology	12
BIEAT202	Visual and Performing Arts	12
BIEAT203	Agriculture	12
BIEAT204	Assessment Issues in Inclusive Education and Assistive Technologies	12
EDGS201	Gender Studies for Educators	12
BIEAT205	Teaching Practice	12

Level 2 Semester 2

Code	Module Description	Credits
BEFM231	School Administration and Financial Management	12
BIEAT206	Technologies in Inclusive Education and Assistive Technologies	12
BIEAT207	Guidance and Counselling in Inclusive Education and Assistive Technologies	12
BIEAT208	Entrepreneurship for Inclusive and Special Needs Educators	12
BIEAT209	Family, Heritage, and Religious Education	12
BED232	Research Project	24

Total Credits: 312

MODULE SYNOPSES

 BCHS131 Culture and Heritage Studies

The module examines the concepts of culture and heritage as they relate to unhuism/ ubuntuism, innovation and industrialisation. Emphasis is placed on the values of social, historical, architectural, scientific and cultural heritage that can be capitalised for socio-economic development. Exploration of landscapes that contain cultural heritage associated with knowledge, songs, stories, art objects and human remains.

BIEAT101 Introduction to Inclusive Education and Assistive Technologies

The module seeks to introduce students to national and international key legal and policy frameworks in inclusive and special needs education and to equip students with knowledge of terms, models, legislation and policies relating to inclusive education and assistive technologies. The focus is on enriching students academically and professionally by studying in some detail the nature and application of these frameworks in inclusive settings.

BIEAT102 Psychological Issues in Inclusive Education and Assistive Technologies

This module equips students with learning theories as well as the cognitive, emotional and social learning processes that underlie human development. Emphasis is placed on developing students’ skills to better understand diverse learners and foster improved learning that recognises individual differences.

BED133 Information Communication Technology

This module guides students to critically and creatively apply concepts, principles, hardware and software associated with the infusion of information communication technology (ICT) in solving educational problems and meeting challenges in their roles as facilitators of learning.

BIEAT103 Sociological and Contemporary Issues in Inclusive Education and Assistive Technologies

The module explores sociological theories and topical issues in inclusive education and assistive technologies. These include health and life skills, advocacy and HIV/AIDS awareness. Different theoretical explanations and attitudes towards disability and special needs are also explored. The module also interrogates how cultural and religious beliefs impact society’s perceptions of disability.

BIEAT104 Philosophical Issues in Inclusive Education and Assistive Technologies

The module seeks to equip students with knowledge of models, theories and perceptions that provide a philosophical basis for inclusive, special needs education and use of assistive technologies.

BIEAT105 Adaptations for Sensory and Neuro-Developmental Disabilities

This module is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the nature, classification and characteristics of different types of sensory disabilities and neuro-developmental disabilities and the degree to which they impact a learner’s ability to access educational opportunities. It also aims to prepare students to provide effective educational programmes for such learners in the mainstream and in specialised settings.

BIEAT106 Adaptations for Locomotor and Multiple Disabilities

The module seeks to develop an understanding about planning effective educational programmes for learners with locomotor and multiple disabilities, as well as creating in the students an awareness of these conditions. The module also intends to ensure the acquisition of the requisite skills to enable the students to craft effective therapeutic programmes for learners with such disabilities and to be able to refer them for medical intervention where necessary.

BIEAT106 Curriculum Planning and Design

The module introduces students to the general theory of curriculum. It explains the content of the curriculum, its elements and the forces that shape it. To this end, broader definitions are explored as well as the processes of curriculum development. The process of modifying, accommodating and adapting the curriculum without ‘watering down’ the contents is explored.

BIEAT108 Adaptations for the Gifted/Talented Learner and Children in Difficult Circumstances

The module seeks to equip students with a strong knowledge base and skills needed to provide effective educational programmes which are designed to meet the academic, social and emotional needs of gifted and talented learners. The students will be able to identify the learners through appropriate strategies and will plan and use relevant instructional approaches related to suitable curriculum models.

BED131 Research Methods and Statistics

The module introduces students to the basic principles of research. It develops the students’ knowledge and skills in the following areas: identification of research problems in education; selection of appropriate research designs and data collection tools; data analysis techniques; research findings and conclusions and research report writing. The module also introduces students to educational research that is aligned with sustainable development issues such as environmental conservation and poverty eradication.

BIEAT109 Sign Language, Braille and other Curriculum Languages

The module seeks to assist students to be proficient in Sign Language, Braille and be able to make their adaptations and modifications to the content and complexity of teaching it and other curriculum languages in a manner that suits the profiles of students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to make innovations to instructional adaptations which in turn become critical components of the learner outcomes in inclusive settings.

BIEAT201 Mathematics, Science and Technology

The module seeks to assist students in the development of their ability to integrate mathematics, science and technology through problem-based learning in their instruction. Through adapting and modifying instruction for students   with disabilities, teachers create a more positive atmosphere that encourages the students to take risks in problem- solving which in turn strengthens their understanding of concepts.

BIEAT202 Visual and Performing Arts

This module seeks to expose students to instructional adaptations and modifications to the teaching of art, creative arts, music, movement and dance. Emphasis is on fostering an understanding and appreciation of cultural and social values, as well as competencies that are essential for employment creation, problem- solving, critical thinking and self-discipline.

BIEAT203 Agriculture

The module seeks to assist students in making instructional adaptations and modifications in the teaching of agriculture thereby promoting the acquisition of agricultural skills through problem-solving activities in a sustainable manner. Students also acquire entrepreneurial skills relevant to agriculture.

BIEAT204 Assessment Issues in Inclusive Education and Assistive Technologies

The module exposes students to the purposes and uses of assessment in inclusive, special needs education and the use of assistive technologies. The design and use of different tools of assessment are considered, together with how assessment information is used for planning and restructuring inclusive classroom instruction.

EDGS 231 Gender Studies for Educators

The module aims to provide students with an introduction to the concept of gender and its significance to education. The module exposes students to how education spaces construct gender differences, the implications of these differences on learners and how schools can close the gender gaps. Key issues to be studied include theoretical perspectives on gender, cultural dimensions of gender, and deconstruction of gender and their implications for the education sector.

 BIEAT105 Teaching Practice

The module is designed to equip students with practical skills required in inclusive and special needs settings. Students will gain professional growth through practicum in a variety of settings which include mainstream inclusive schools, special schools, resource rooms, early childhood settings and home-based care. The focus will be on the application of theory to real-life situations with learners in a school environment or with individual children living with disabilities in the community.

BEFM231 School Administration and Financial Management in Education

The module introduces students to sound administration and financial management practices followed in schools and other educational institutions. It tackles the basic tenets of the nature and purpose of administration and familiarises students with skills in budgeting and budgetary control. Students are further introduced to the accounting systems in schools and the interpretation of policies and statutes that govern financial and asset management in educational institutions.

BIEAT206 Technologies in Inclusive Education and Assistive Devices

This module introduces students to assistive technology interventions and provides information about the purpose, use and potential benefits of these interventions. Assistive interventions can support access to and participation in everyday learning opportunities for learners with special educational needs. Access and participation are two of the defining features of high-quality inclusion.

BIEAT207 Guidance and Counselling in Inclusive Education and Assistive Technologies

This module seeks to expose students to theoretical and practical aspects of Guidance and Counselling in Inclusive and Assistive Technologies. Students are introduced to theories of   Guidance and Counselling and their application. Innovative practices in the counselling process are also introduced.

 BIEAT208 Entrepreneurship for Inclusive and Special Needs Educators

The module is intended to equip students with knowledge of key concepts and theories of entrepreneurship in the context of Inclusive and Special Needs Education. The focus is on entrepreneurship as a viable and strong option for students in the development of autonomous skills and self-confidence.

BIEAT209 Family, Heritage and Religious Education

This module seeks to assist students in instructional adaptations in the development of unhu/ubuntu, social responsibility and a sense of sound ethical norms from other religions. The module enhances an understanding and appreciation of family relationships, gender and respect for human dignity and diversity.

BED232 Research Project

In this final year, two-semester module each student carries out a research project in an area of his/her choice under the guidance of a supervisor. Through the study, students are expected to apply their knowledge and skills in research in the resolution of an identified research problem, as well as showing their appreciation of research as a viable process of addressing contemporary challenges and issues in education and their local environments.