Proceedings of The International Academic Conference on Teaching and Education
Year: 2024
DOI:
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Service Learning in a Special Education Teacher Preparation Program
Dr. Lusa Lo
ABSTRACT:
Service learning is a form of experiential learning that allows learners to learn by doing. Learners are expected to apply what they have learned (e.g. university courses) in the field (e.g. community). This form of learning is especially essential in teacher preparation programs, especially in the field of especial education. A nationwide survey reported that vacancies in especial education were the highest when comparing to other chapter areas (Institute of Education Sciences, 2022). The turnover rate for especial education teacher was about 5 years. Sample risk factors to especial education teacher burnout are relationships with colleagues, lack of support and limited skills to support their students with disabilities. The purpose of this presentation is to share how one especial education teacher preparation program utilizes service learning effectively, so teacher candidates can begin exposing to classroom environment since their first semester. Each course in the program has a fieldwork component which requires them to use what they have learned from courses and apply in the classrooms, with the support of their field supervisors and university faculty. They also receive frequent feedback, so they know how they can improve their skills. At the end of each semester, their supervisors evaluate their performance based on the performed skills. This evaluation counted toward their course grades. Over 90% of our graduates remain in the field of special education after five years. Many have also become the supervisors of our new teacher candidates.
keywords: special education, service learning, teacher training, teacher preparation, diversity