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Michael Castleberry, Professor of Special Education at George Washington University delivered a lecture [at the Pedagogical University] on the theme “My Philosophy of Teaching: Four Principles of Educating and Teaching.” Dr. Michael Castleberry was invited to the University by the Faculty of Special Education at the suggestion of the U.S. Embassy in Armenia.
When introducing the guest speaker, Dean of the Faculty of Special Education, Armine Avagyan, emphasized his extensive experience and great contribution to inclusive education.
“I greatly appreciate the fact that I am going to speak about something to which I devoted my heart and soul,” Michael Castleberry said in his opening remarks. For many years, he worked with preschool and school-age children with special educational needs.
During the meeting, the professor shared with the audience his personal experience, focusing on the key components of the teaching process.
Michael Castleberry stressed that teaching requires special skills from a teacher who does not want to change the curriculum for one or two children, as well as from parents who are concerned about their children's future. “I am convinced that with joint efforts we can achieve the desired results in teaching children with special educational needs,” he said.
Dr. Michael Castleberry is convinced that he does not know everything, but he is sure that he knows almost everything.
Over the years, the professor became convinced that four components should be highlighted at work – the learner, educator, subject or content and mythology.
“These four components always accompany me during the process of teaching,” says the renowned professor with over 43 years of experience in higher education. “When I teach, I do everything to make my speech available. If your audience does not understand the content, it means you are not teaching them anything,” he continued, presenting the sequence of steps which can lead to success in inclusive education.
The lecture was followed by a Q&A session and discussion of controversial issues in inclusive education.
On March 3, Michael Castleberry will deliver a lecture on “Inclusive education: How to turn a con into a pro” at the he American Corner of Yerevan City Central Library after Avetik Isahakyan.
