GRADUATE SCHOOL

Master of Arts in Special Education (MAS)

SPECIAL EDUCATION

REACTION PAPER

Name: Vicente, Vince Irvin R.

Subject Code: MAS-207
Subject Title: Methods & Techniques in Teaching Special Education (w/ Emphasis on
Classroom Mgt. Func'l Assess. & Applied Behavioral Analysis
Date Submitted: August 31, 2020
Title: Appropriate teaching strategies for teaching special education classes in the New
Normal

A. Summary
As educators equipped with the "new normal" set-up in this Covid-19 pandemic, it's
time to use our discomfort to forge a new paradigm. Now it's time for schools to ensure
teachers don't just translate what they do inside the classroom into their online teachings.

Teacher-driven discussions and long lectures no longer standard in this situation.

Students are almost always divided on their focus in online learning — their classes and
their attention to their mobile gadgets. We should innovate to teach online by tapping
legitimate online tools and resources. Students would be up for an exciting learning
process by using online learning resources on topics and creating learning playlists or
menus. By being not only an educational content issuer but a master curator of learning
resources, teachers like us are designing synchronous and asynchronous learning
activities for continuous student engagement.

Educators must design assessment and grading systems and consider their purposes
and priorities. Encouraging student learning is the best, not just letting students account
for their learning. Mentors must think that in times of remote learning, continuous student
feedback on their learning can help them reflect on their strengths.

Teacher feedback would be a "discipline" for students to further improve their

studies. The pandemic would be a big factor in students' finishing requirements, easily
done in normal times.
 By focusing on learning, educators can also adopt grades that demonstrate mastery of
knowledge and skills as well as mastery of learning skills criteria. Constant feedback
helps students meet these criteria. Grades would eventually come with compassion and
fairness.

B. Reflection

This time of uncertainty requires us to change how, at least in the short term, we
deliver educational services. Many special education teachers, paraprofessionals,
and administrators wonder how to provide students with disabilities with online
services. As a special educator, I realize this is no small task! Here are five tips to
get started with virtual special education services I'm currently practicing.

1. Review the student's Individualized Education Plan ( IEP) to identify the

learner's major goals and services. This will assist with teaching and service
planning.

2. Use technology for meetings and/or explicit instruction. Google Meet, Skype,
and Zoom are great choices. This new learning environment demands ongoing
communication between staff, teachers, support staff, parents, and students to
ensure success. Some of these services are offering premium versions for free
to educators during the quarantine. Plus, using these tools to meet and chat
online makes this challenging situation better, and students would LOVE to
see your face.

3. Remember to assess the needs of your learner for assistive technology as these
needs could be different now that online vs. in-person special education
services are being provided.

4. For the students who can independently navigate learning activities, consider the use of
a checklist or daily schedule. You can also use a similar strategy if you have students
who will need assistance. Create a daily schedule or checklist for the parent or
caregiver providing step by step information and activities so they can guide less
independent learners.

5. Use what you have! You know what works with your learners, so now it’s time to
think about how a typical face-to-face lesson can be delivered online. Here are a few
suggestions to get you started:
 You also have students that may have already been using online learning or web-
based programs to build skills right in your physical classroom. Share the login
information with parents (or students depending on the level of functioning and/or age).
Build this into their daily schedule. 
 Consider assigning life skills tasks that can be done from home! Cooking,
laundry, even organizing their bedroom can be an assignment. Be sure to provide
scaffolds like a task-analysis or checklist, though.

I hope these ideas will serve as a spark as you brainstorm and consider the programming
changes you'll need to make for learners with disabilities.

Submitted to: Prof. Minguela S. Ting

SPED Teacher III