The academic content and curriculum of the Special Education Teaching Undergraduate Program has been meticulously designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills in the field of special education. Throughout the program, there are many courses specific to the field of special education as well as general educational sciences courses. The curriculum covers a variety of theoretical and practical courses during the four years of study and offers students a comprehensive education.
In the first years, students are taught the basic subjects of educational sciences. These include courses such as Educational Psychology, Educational Sociology, Principles and Methods of Teaching, Measurement and Evaluation in Education. These courses provide students with an understanding of the education system and teaching processes and prepare them for more in-depth studies in the field of special education.
Courses specific to the field of special education include information that will help students understand the needs of individuals with disabilities and provide effective education to these individuals. These courses include field-specific topics such as Inclusion in Special Education, Education for the Mentally Disabled, Education for the Hearing Impaired, Education for the Visually Impaired, Education for Autism Spectrum Disorder and Education for Learning Disabilities. Each course covers the characteristics of the relevant disability group, educational strategies for this group and how to create individualized education programs.
The program also includes courses that focus on behavior management and assessment. The Behavior Assessment and Management course provides students with knowledge and skills on how to assess and manage problem behaviors. These courses help special education teachers to create an effective learning atmosphere in and out of the classroom.
The use of technology in education is also an important part of the curriculum. Educational Technology and Use of Technology in Special Education courses teach students how to use various educational technologies and their role in special education. Students learn about computer-assisted instructional materials and assistive technologies and how to apply these technologies in their classrooms.
Practical courses and internships allow students to put their theoretical knowledge into practice. Students gain real-world experience through internships in various schools and special education institutions. These internships provide students with practical experience in developing teaching skills, classroom management and creating individualized education programs. During internship periods, students also collaborate with teachers and other education professionals and receive feedback that will contribute to their professional development.
The Special Education Teaching Undergraduate Program also includes research methods courses to develop students' skills in conducting research and producing scientific knowledge. Research Methods and Research in Special Education courses enable students to understand scientific research processes and develop their own research projects. These courses help students acquire the knowledge and skills necessary if they plan to pursue an academic career.
As a result, the Special Education Teacher Education Undergraduate Program offers a broad and in-depth curriculum, enabling students to specialize in the field of special education. By offering practical experiences as well as theoretical knowledge, the program aims to ensure that graduates have all the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the special education teaching profession.