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Teaching Students with
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
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Teaching Students with
Special Educational Needs (SEN)
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Phase 2--Scaffolding SEN issues
Ellen Hoffenberg-Serfaty
Module 2
Applications of important learning theories to SEN use of the Internet & developing browser skills
Part 2--Semiotics, Symbols and Icons
Now we are going to take a different direction. We are going to "think" about how we teach students with SEN who are learning EFL, and often have weaker reading skills. And how learning styles theories and practices can help us negotiate the meaning of text with symbols.
We know that SEN students usually have a preferred learning style, and sometimes this learning style excludes all others. Sometimes the teaching style doesn't accommodate that student's preferred elarning style. And sometimes,the student isn't even aware of his or her preference.
In addition, we tend to think of learning styles in a narrow sense: "visual" means the student likes to learn through looking, or reading or using their eyes. But what kind of visual impetus are we talking about? text? images? a combination? And what does "visual learning" mean in terms of cognitive development, principles and sometimes, impairments.
Many people who work with SEN say that using symbols and icons that provide explicit and useful clues to negotiating the meaning of text, "steps" to performing an activity or function, or instructions, can be of major benefit to some SEN students. So let's explore that idea.
Once again, rev up your word or other note-taking device: structure it so that you can not only record your reflections, but record particular sties that you'd like to return to in preparing materials at the end of this unit.
Symbol and Icon Links
Semiotics for Beginners. Academic and more detailed analysis of the study and use of semiotics.
Sign-browser, Peepo and more!. Introducing Jonathan Chetwynd's work with symbols, sign browser and alternatives to text. Check back on this site, since many of the resources are in progress; and don't be frustrated if you hit a dead end, or material is unavailable.
Some symbol programs and how they evolved (including symbol generating software)
Symbols and Computer Technology
Joseph Rountree Symbols Project
Widgit. Explore this site, especially including Special Needs and Symbol Network
Enchanted Learning Picture Dictionary
There is no specific assignment for this part: use your notes and information after Part 3 to post to the forum.
Now go to Part 3: Internet and browser tutorials
Back to the beginning of Module 2
Back to the SEN Phase 2 modules