The field of learning disability is an evolving one. Ongoing research and innovative educational practices are required for students to experience success both in school and home. Certain areas of learning disability are better understood than others. For example, most educators are familiar with dyslexia or reading disability. Much less is known about disability in the area of mathematics (dyscalculia) and writing (dysgraphia). Another important question that often arises is inclusion – how can educators create school programs to better support the learning needs of these students?
To answer many of these questions, Dubai-based Ishara Consultants has organized a two-day conference on October 20 and 21 at Renaissance Dubai Hotel. Several international speakers will address the conference, which will be opened by UAE Education Minister Humaid Mohammad Obaid Al Qattami.
Dr. Gad Elbeheri (Director, Centre for Child Evaluation and Teaching, Kuwait) will describe an “Inclusion Eco System” whereby participants can appreciate the wide coverage of inclusion and the inherent “process” underlying the inclusion philosophy and go on to present the optimal “Teaching & Learning Setting” necessary for the inclusion of individuals with learning disabilities. Dr. Gavin Reid (International award winning author, educational psychologist and consultant, will focus on Dyslexia, Dysgraphia and Dyspraxia (difficulties in the area of writing). There will be reference to the social and emotional implications of inclusion, an area which is frequently neglected in schools.
The area of learning disability in mathematics will be addressed by Dr. Steve Chinn who has taught for 40 years, in a variety of settings. Dr. Chinn was Head of three specialist schools for dyslexic students, including Baltimore, USA where he was rated as a ‘Master Teacher’ by the State. His work in the area of mathematics is a pioneering landmark. Dr. Chinn will examine Screening and Assessment of Dyscalculia; and discuss adjustments that can be made in a mainstream classroom to make learning more efficient and efficacious for all students, but especially the included student. His own research has focused on Maths anxiety and motivation. Results of his recent research into maths anxiety and motivation in secondary aged children will be presented.
Joe M McCann (Managing Director, Inclusion Quality Mark Ltd, UK) comes to Dubai with expertise in developing inclusive schools, using the Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) framework. An educationally inclusive school is one in which the teaching and learning, achievements, attitudes and well-being of every young person matters. The IQM team is now the largest team of assessors and advisors in the UK examining how to meet the ever changing needs of a diverse community in delivering an inclusive education. This is an opportunity to discuss how this standard may be used within schools in Dubai.
Small group workshops have been designed to cover topics such as motivation in learning; practical assessment tools for dyspraxia, case studies, the emotional and social impact of learning disability, and so on.
The conference is expected to be attended by around 300 delegates including principals, administrators, counselors, social workers, teachers, parents, researchers, adult literacy educators, college educators, correctional specialists, curriculum specialists, learning disability specialists, reading specialists, staff developers, speech and language specialists, library and media specialists, technology coordinators, medical and mental health professionals, teachers of special education and general education, education policy advocates and college student support personnel, adults with learning disabilities and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and parents of children with learning disabilities and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Mr. Sunny
Media Officer
Ishara Consultants
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