engleski

A MODEL OF EDUCATION FOR ASSISTANTS OF STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES SUPPORTED BY INFORMATION AND COMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

Today’s system of education is becoming more flexible for students from different under- represented groups. Possible obstacles in education can arise from age, gender, disability, language skills, low social status, income etc. All students from under-represented groups have an equal right to access to education and the subsequent labour market that such education provides. The majority of students with disabilities are included in mainstream preschools, schools and universities. Depending on the type of disability (hearing impairments, visual impairments, psychological disorders, mobility difficulties etc.), students need more or less support. This paper will explore the model of support provided by assistants for students with disabilities at different levels of education. The model includes personal teaching assistants in preschools and schools and peer-teaching assistance at the university level. The quality of training for teaching assistants in preschools and schools was evaluated using a sample of 90 assistants participating in the 20-hour course. The initial motivation of assistants was estimated by an open-ended question survey. A content analysis of teaching assistant reports shows that motivation for this job is not only current unemployment, but also the gathering of social skills, job experience and enjoyment. The results were positive, with an emphasis on the high quality of the curriculum and the usefulness of lifelong learning. Interviews with peer assistants at the university emphasised the importance of training supported by information and communication technology. Students with disabilities also need access to the internet, high quality digital learning materials and different assistive technology. Quality of support provided by assistants also depends on their training and any aversion of inclusion students with disabilities within the mainstream education system. Inclusion is good way of preparation in terms of human capital management for the future labour market. Further research will be focused on measuring the usefulness and practical implementation of the results.

Education ; Labour Market ; Students with Disabilities ; Teaching Assistants

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