Teachers from different institutions are trained in Teaching Strategies with a Universal Approach

teachers 1

In the host study house, students of Commercial Engineering, Construction Engineering, Food Engineering, Ped. in Spanish and Philosophy, Ped. in English and Journalism who have a disability actively participate in the activities prepared for them.

The Support Program for Students with Disabilities (PAED) at the University of La Serena and the Inclusive Higher Education Network in the Coquimbo Region (REDESIC) were the organizers of a training day on Teaching Strategies with a Universal Approach, aimed to teachers of different careers from educational institutions that serve students with sensory and/or motor disabilities.

The activity took place during the morning in Room 2 of the Teaching Improvement Unit of the ULS, with the objective of learning some suggestions for adapting study materials and teaching aids so that university students with sensory or physical disabilities can take different courses. 

Aspects such as the adaptation of methodologies, teaching materials, evaluation techniques and others were addressed. The rapporteurs were the person in charge of the PAED and president of REDESIC Region of Coquimbo, Georgina García, academic of the Department of Education of the University of La Serena; the PAED professional, Andrea Irarrázabal; and the kinesiologist from the U. Pedro de Valdivia, Joel García.

The types of disabilities addressed are vision problems (total blindness and low vision), hearing (profound deafness or hearing loss) and physical problems (limitations in the execution of movements and/or chronic diseases). Regarding them, various international investigations provide advice and suggestions to optimize student performance in classes.

For example, Georgina García emphasized that the use of accessible, flexible and simple instructions is recommended; communicate content effectively; consider the different paces of learning; minimize physical effort and maximize attention to learning; consider the characteristics of the students in the instructions; create learning communities; and generate welcoming and inclusive environments.

Other aspects to consider are: providing multiple means of representation (occupying different channels: auditory, visual or motor), multiple means for action and expression (different ways to learn and make known what has been learned) and multiple means of engagement (offering options so that they feel involved and motivated to learn).

The ULS academic also urged attendees not to generalize the behavior of people with disabilities, even if they have the same condition; find out with the student himself what he requires before modifying the environment or determining supports; do not force him to receive help, avoid overprotection and promote autonomy; and make non-significant curricular adjustments to guarantee conditions of equity.

In the same way, he recommended for classroom work to ensure that they have a seat in the front row, ensure that they have good lighting, allow the use of recorders or other recording materials, and adapt PowerPoint presentations (dark background, white letters and short texts). ), verbalize visual information, adapt evaluation formats (Braille, larger print or orally), have visible warning signs (for example, for classroom changes) and allow longer times for their work or dissertations, among others. suggestions that will help young people achieve their best academic performance.

In the afternoon, the workshop was replicated with numerous preschool, basic and secondary school teachers from different educational establishments in the area.

Let us remember that the Support Program for Students with Disabilities at the U. de La Serena has as its fundamental purpose to provide comprehensive support – academic, social and health – to university students with sensory and/or motor disabilities. In addition, guide their academics and families so that they can support these students, so that they can respond satisfactorily to the academic, social and emotional demands that any professional training process implies. 

It is important to mention that the entry and participation of students with disabilities in this Program is voluntary. Currently, 6 young people studying Commercial Engineering, Construction Engineering, Food Engineering, Ped. in Spanish and Philosophy, Ped. in English and Journalism actively participate in initiatives that support different areas of their personal and professional training. 

Students, academics and administrators who wish to have more information about the PAED can visit the Resource Room of the Central Library ''Irma Salas'' (Anfión Muñoz corner Infante) on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 13 p.m. :00 a.m. and on Tuesdays from 12:30 p.m. to 16:30 p.m.

Meanwhile, the Inclusive Higher Education Network in the Coquimbo Region is headed by the U. of La Serena and has among its members the UCN, UPV, U. Central and Colegio Maristas Nuestra Señora de Andacollo.