Facilitating individual growth and development

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Date
2000
Authors
Parr, Cynthia H
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Education
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Education, 2000
Abstract
Both regular and special educators are continually involved in the process of change to better meet the needs of a range of learners. Effective leadership to facilitate and support the process of growth and development is a necessary component of teacher growth. Through this project a small group of special and regular classroom teachers met to develop personal growth goals in the area of special education and to work together to assist each other in meeting their individual goals related to special education. This opportunity allowed participants to share their findings and frustrations and, in a collegial fashion, support each other in the process of change. The goal of the writer was to develop her own leadership skills and abilities in facilitating teachers' individual growth and development in the area of special education. Through ongoing reflection group members continually revisited their individual goals and grew through the process of shared reflection. Through the sharing of ideas each group member was able to incorporate their individual understandings into their own classroom experience. The overall goal was to cause teachers to reflect on and modify their teaching practises. Through this process each member shared their stories and reflections and grew as educators. The process of shared reflection encouraged each member to look deeper at what they were doing as educators of students with special needs and further develop the learning opportunities they offered their students. Through this qualitative research project the writer attempts to share some of the stories, experiences and understandings that demonstrate that growth and development occurred during the course of the project.
Description
viii, 74 p. ; 29 cm. --
Keywords
Special education , Special education teachers -- Training of
Citation