Student Teacher Growth: Using ‘Additionality’ in ITE as a Vehicle for Practical SEN Training.

The research outlines how one ITE provider has embraced recent government initiatives to enhance the profile of Special Educational Needs in an undergraduate programme. The findings of Male (2006) suggest that teachers lack confidence in working with SEN children. This paper will address how student teacher’s confidence and personal growth has been enhanced by participation in a specialised four week placement.

By drawing on interview, observation and questionnaire data a close insight to the student teacher growth will be made together with recommendations for good practice in the area. These include the importance of developing inclusive attitudes in teachers which enable them to ‘think outside the box’ and develop an open receptiveness to learning new skills and strategies that will be crucial in an inclusive classroom.