Teaching the Teachers

As we slowly begin to realize and accept the fact that we are down to less than six months to make a difference here in Bosnia, it truly is a bittersweet emotion. Arriving in Bosnia with little understanding of the true needs here, we set out to find the neediest of the needy. We didn't have to search long before our hearts and out efforts were drawn to helping individuals with special needs. I know I have discussed their plight in Bosnia several times on past blogs so I won't elaborate further today, but suffice it to say they truly are the neediest of the needy. There are no established educational practices, no enforced laws to protect their rights, educational or otherwise. Many children with disabilities are not afforded the opportunity to obtain any type of formal education. Fortunately, there are people in Bosnia who care. Parents and educators who are struggling to be a catalyst for change. And this weekend we have been blessed to work side by side with many of them from throughout the country as part of an LDS Charities and EDUS project to teach the teachers. While giving material gifts is nice, giving the gift of knowledge is priceless.

A very small part of the materials the attendees were able to
take back to use in their centers. 

Partnering with EDUS (Educate Us - Education for All), LDS Charities sponsored an educational workshop. We spent three days immersed in learning. Professionals who work with children with special needs gathered in Sarajevo to increase their knowledge base and to improve their teaching techniques with the hope to enrich the lives of those they teach. For a few it was reinforcement and expansion of knowledge they already had, however for many it was new material, a new concept and a truly eye-opening experience. While these techniques may be commonplace in the U.S., it is cutting edge in Bosnia.

The three-day workshop included theory and hands-on learning.The major components of the workshop were Initial Assessments and Developing an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP), Teaching Techniques and Parent Education. The educators were divided into groups of 4 with one EDUS staff member in each group to reinforce learning while another EDUS staff member lead the session. They learned how to assess a child's skills and based on that assessment, create a IEP that would provide the greatest potential for increased skill acquisition. The individual goals included the areas of cognitive, communication, large motor, fine motor and social skills. After putting together an IEP, they then were taught how to implement the program through specific teaching techniques that have been proven effective with all children, but especially for children with special needs. In addition to learning, there was a lot of laughing as they role played, taking turns being the teacher and the student.

Learning how to use the assessment tools

EDUS staff explaining goals and objectives

The use of flashcards is very important. Denny and I spent
a fair amount of time to create a set of over 200 flash cards
for each center to take home. (not the ones pictured)

When they return to their centers, they will have all the
tools they need to implement the educational techniques 

EDUS staff showing how to use flashcards in various ways

Which one is green?

Learning about "pairing"objects. EDUS staff assisting "student"
with a "hand-in-hand" technique as part of a correction. 

The final session was spent on one of the most difficult topics. Parent education. Parents are the key to their child's success. Continuity of expectations between school and home are extremely important. Some parents are actively involved in their child's education, but unfortunately, many just don't know what they can do to help their child learn so they do very little. The workshop participants learned new ways to involve parents and take home materials to share with parents to get them more engaged with their child and to help them understand that, as parents, they can, and must, continue their child's education at home.

Learning strategies to involve parents in their children's education

Stanislova, EDUS staff member, shared a wealth
of information as the lead presenter
for the workshop this weekend. 

Intense and informative are the words that come to mind to adequately describe the three days. Non-stop learning, hands-on practical application and continual questions provided immense insight for those in attendance. One goal of the training workshops is for the attendees to return to their centers and not only implement the new teaching strategies, but to also share it with other professionals in their centers. We will be meeting with each center in the next month to assist with initial assessments and reinforce what they have learned. This group is the "test" group for our project study. We have another "control" group who will attend the training at the beginning of the second semester. We will be doing initial assessment with the control group as well. At the end of the semester we will conduct final assessments for both groups and anticipate a higher skill acquisition for those using the new technique. If all goes as planned, our primary goal is to do a research report showing positive results that will be shared with Ministries of Education throughout Bosnia. Maybe, just maybe, if those in a position to do something about it understand the significance of educating every child, educational practices for children with disabilities will change. And together with EDUS, who so willingly shared their knowledge and continues to fight every day for the rights of children, we will have made a true difference in the lives of some very special people.

The whole group after an intense three days of learning!
A huge thank you to everyone for all you do for the children of Bosnia!