WORKSHOP: INCLUSIVE SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS USING SPECIAL AND ALTERNATIVE METHODS

S. Amanzholov East Kazakhstan University, with the support of the Education Department of East Kazakhstan Region and the regional psychological-medical-pedagogical consultation, organized a charitable master class for teachers within the framework of the project “Competence Center for psychological and pedagogical training and methodological and technological support for children with special educational needs”.

The event was attended by more than 160 specialists – defectologists, speech therapists, psychologists, pedagogical assistants and elementary school teachers from all districts of the region. They participated in the plenary session and master classes, where special and alternative methods of supporting children with special educational needs were demonstrated.

– Our university is constantly looking for new technologies and methods so that teachers from different regions can effectively work with children in need of special education. East Kazakhstan University has been implementing innovative educational programs in the field of inclusion for many years and has become one of the first to put new approaches into practice, – said Irina Rovnyakova, Vice-Rector for Strategic Development and International Cooperation.

The funds raised during the charity event will be used to manufacture a professional table for a defectologist to work with children with special educational needs. The table will be handed over to the regional psychological-medical-pedagogical consultation.

Within the framework of the plenary session, Yulia Kukina, Associate Professor of the University, presented the results of a questionnaire survey of parents on the issue of their involvement in the process of correctional work.

According to the survey, 55.8% of parents prefer to receive individual consultations from teachers, 25.1% have a positive attitude to trainings and meetings, 54.3% noted that they have no difficulties in inclusive education, while 18.6% pointed to the lack of specialists.

During her master class, psychologist Maigүl Idirishova spoke about the effectiveness of musical methods in developing children’s cognitive abilities:

– Through singing, children with SEN expand their horizons and develop their attention. In my practice there are children who look forward to cheerful songs. They begin to distinguish the color and sound of musical instruments. By their preferences you can judge the level of development. Some directly say, ‘I want this color, just so it’s not broken,’” she shared.

Teachers participating in the large-scale event familiarized themselves with modern methods and tools necessary in the educational process and gained useful professional knowledge.

– I got acquainted with the work of the “Dana Bala” center at East Kazakhstan University, where there are a variety of teaching aids for children with special needs. I visited master classes of experienced specialists in each laboratory and gained valuable practical experience. I thank the university for its contribution to the development of inclusion in the region,” said Dinara Bokeyeva, a teacher at Ust-Kamenogorsk secondary school No. 7.

– I familiarized myself with teaching materials and methodological approaches prepared by the university. I especially liked the materials for defectologists and speech therapists. This event was a great opportunity for professional growth,” said Ayaulym Kamalbekova, a teacher at Secondary School No. 1 named after Y.A. Gagarin in the village of Kurshim.

This event helped teachers to master new methods of working with children with special educational needs. The methods and materials prepared by university specialists will be effectively applied in practice. Such meetings strengthen professional ties and contribute to improving the quality of inclusive education.