“Problem based learning: An innovative approach to teaching and learning” and “Becoming a teacher for all children: Perspectives of teachers on inclusive education”
The National Education Conference, sponsored by Óbuda University started its three day symposium at the Óbuda University on the 19th of November, 09:00 in the morning. An extensive collection of subjects will be provided throughout the conference and over the three days it is expected that there will be an estimated three hundred attendees. Lunch and refreshments will be provided everday during the conference.
Two notable guests Professor Mona-Lisa Dahms and Dr. Elisabeth De Schauwer Ph.D. led the conference with thier presentations.
Mona-Lisa Dahms, Associate Professor, Aalborg Center for Problem Based Learning in Engineering Science and Sustainability Faculty, Aalborg University, Denmark, is currently the chairperson of the UNESCO, Problem Based Learning (PBL). She has a wealth of experience, over 40 years, in development, implementation, research and consultancy with the PBL education system and process.
Professor Dahms' presentation “Problem based learning: An innovative approach to teaching and learning” focused on all aspects of PBL to include: history, characteristics , educational systems and processes comparisons, content and form, and the impact of PBL on social institutions and the students.
Problem Based Learning is a student/group focused form of pedagogy which through the assistance of a tutor/teacher, solve open-ended problems, thereby, developing their learning, critical questioning, and problem solving skills. The process often is project organized or case based.
This process was first developed in Canada in the 1960's at the McMaster University Medical School and is now found in a variety of different educational areas. Most military education systems utilize PBL to teach their soldiers and is found extensively in training of medical paraprofessionals throughout the world.
Dr. Elisabeth De Schauwer Ph.D., Department of Special education, Ghent University, Gent, Belgium received her Ph.D. in 2011 and is considered an expert in the field of Inclusive Education and Disability Studies. She has been educating at Ghent University since 2000.
Dr. De Schauwer's presentation “Becoming a teacher for all children: Perspectives of teachers on inclusive education”, focused on Inclusive education as a whole, research, making choices concerning inclusion, uncertainties of the teacher, child participation, social relations and collaborative teaching.
Inclusion of the student with a disability into an education system has its challenges and rewards. Dr. De Schauwer presented an easily understandable overview of how inclusion affects the teacher, the students and most importantly the student themselves.
Many thanks to these two notable guests for their wonderful and informative presentations and for setting the stage for what looks to be a valuable educational experience for all.