Introducing Special Educational Needs: A Companion Guide for Student Teachers

Pressure of time means that the complex topic of special educational needs (SEN) at initial teacher training and post-graduate levels can often be covered at too swift a pace. The unfortunate result is that a newly qualified teacher faced with the pressures of today's typically inclusive classrooms can feel unprepared or lacking in knowledge about this vitally important area.

This supportive, accessible text will be invaluable to students undergoing their initial teacher training as it features broad coverage of key aspects of SEN in a single volume. It will provide the reader with succinct information on major SEN themes, key questions for student teachers on each topic, and a selection of the most important readings. It also includes sets of reflection-based student tasks; activities for completion during school placements; practical tutor-led to mentor-led activities, plus extension activities; and a series of suggested topics for school-based assignments in SEN.

Philip Garner is Professor, Special Educational Needs, Nottingham Trent University. John Dwyfor Davies is Director of Studies in the Faculty of Education, University of the West of England.