UNIVERSITY OF COLOGNE

Course description

The B.A. degree in teacher education for special needs schools (sonderpädagogische Förderung) focuses on developing the fundamental professional skills required for all teaching posts – teaching and education, assessment and diagnostics, advice, cooperation and school development (LABG 2009) – with the objective of implementing and realising inclusive educational and learning settings at all levels of the education system (UNESCO/Salamanca Statement 1994, UN Convention 2006).

Overarching goals include the teaching of theoretical basics, theoretical/conceptual penetration and analysis of the student’s own practical experience as well as enhanced judgement and communication skills. The corresponding concept of self-determined learning in school requires prior reflective experience gained during the degree and the student's own learning biography, especially as part of joint teaching courses with students from all degrees in teacher education. Practical application, concepts of activated and adaptive learning and above all independent, research-oriented learning based on theoretical discourse are key didactic elements of special needs education at the university.