ESE 111: Introduction to Special and Inclusive Education
Credit hours 3
Lecture hours 42
Contact hours 45
Pre-requisites None
1.1 Purpose of the Course
To provide students with basic knowledge and skills necessary in early identification, needs
assessment and intervention for various special needs.
1.2 Expected Learning Outcomes of the Course
By the end of the course the student should be able to:
Identify categories of learners with special needs
Manifest knowledge on causes and characteristics of various categories special needs
Assess the needs of various categories of learners with special needs
Disseminate information on causes and preventive measures of disability.
Support learners with special needs.
1.3 COURSE CONTENT
Week 1&2: Introduction to Special Needs Education
Definition of key terms: Disability, Handicap, Impairment, Exceptionality, Disorder.
Distinction between terms and their usage in education.
Week 3&4: Historical and Cultural Perspectives
Historical development of Special Needs Education globally.
Historical development of Special Needs Education in Kenya.
African concept of disability (traditional beliefs, cultural attitudes, myths).
Week 5&6: Disability and Society
Perspectives on disability:
o Sociological perspective
o Psychological perspective
o Medical perspective
o Educational perspective
Prevalence of disabilities globally and in Kenya.
Week 7,8 &9: Exceptionalities and Their Educational Implications
Classification of exceptionalities (intellectual, sensory, learning, behavioral, physical,
multiple disabilities, giftedness, etc.).
Causes of various exceptionalities.
Characteristics of learners with different exceptionalities.
Implications of exceptionalities on learning.
Week 10 & 11 5: Intervention and Support Strategies
General intervention strategies for various exceptionalities.
Educational, medical, psychological, and community interventions.
Supporting learners with special needs (classroom support, curriculum adaptation,
assistive devices, guidance and counseling).
Unit 6: Concept of Inclusion and Inclusive Education
Definition and philosophy of inclusion and inclusive education.
Difference between integration, mainstreaming, and inclusion.
Barriers to inclusion and inclusive education (policy, attitudes, infrastructure, resources,
teacher preparedness).
Ways of overcoming barriers.
1.4 Instructional Methods
Lectures, Tutorials, Cooperative teaching and learning, Field trip
1.5 Instructional Materials and/or Equipment
Whiteboard, LCD Projectors, Computers, Charts, YouTube Videos, Textbooks, e-Journals,
Lecture notes, e-books
1.6 Learner Assessment at Course Level
Formative and summative assessment will be undertaken. The distribution of marks will be as
follows:
Formative (Group Assignments, Tests, Online Quizzes)) 30%
Summative (end of semester exam) 70%
Total 100%
1.7 Core Reading Materials for the Course
Hallahan, D., Kauffman, J., Pullen, P. (2022). Exceptional Learners: An Introduction to Special
Education. United States: Pearson Education.
Gargiulo, R. M. &Bouk, C. E. (2018). Special Education in Contemporary Society: An
Introduction to Exceptionality: New Delhi. SAGE Publications. Available at
https://students.aiu.edu/submissions/profiles/resources/onlineBook/i9w6i9_Special
%20Education%20in%20Contemporary%20Society.pdf
Bryant, D. P., Bryant, B. R., Smith, D. D. (2019). Teaching Students With Special Needs in
Inclusive Classrooms. United States: SAGE Publications.
Heward, W. L.(2009).Exceptional Children: An Introduction to Special Needs Education. NJ:
Pearson Education Inc.
Farrell, M.(2008). Educating special children: An introduction to provision for pupils with
disabilities and disorders. New York, USA: Routledge
Mangal, S.K.(2007). Educating exceptional children: An Introduction to Special
education.New Delhi: PHI learning Private Limited.
1.8 Recommended Reference Materials for the Course
Farrell, M. (2011). The effective teacher’s guide to behavioral and emotional disorders (2nd
ed). New York, USA: Routledge
Farrell, M. (2011). The effective teachers’ guide to sensory and physical impairments (2nd
ed). New York, USA: Routledge
Ndurumo, M. M. (1993). Exceptional children: Developmental consequences and intervention.
Nairobi: Longman.
Barlow, D. H. & Durand, M.V( 2015). Abnormal Psychology: An Integrative Barlow, V. Mark
Approach. Stamford, USA. Cengage Learning. Available at https://www.pdfdrive.com/abnormal-
psychology-an-integrative-approach-d166231801.html
LECTURERS: Dr. MARETE & Dr. ODENY
