At the initiative of the Faculty of Special Education, the Pedagogical University today hosted Rolly Helldin and Magnus Magnuson, Professors of the Special Education Department
of Uppsala University (Sweden). The guests arrived in Armenia within the framework of the European Union's Tempus programme.
The Swedish professors delivered an exclusive lecture during a meeting with the professorial staff and students of the Pedagogical University.
Mr Helldin presented a historical review, speaking about the establishment of the Special Education Department at the Swedish University and the ongoing work. He also dwelt on the problems of the field.
The Swedish professor noted that in the past people with special needs were isolated from the society; there was obvious discrimination in the educational system and unequal treatment towards these people. “Even a dispute arose between educators, doctors and psychiatrists. They divided into groups: the first group was against inclusive education, while the second said it would promote equality in the society,” the professor said adding, “Introduction of inclusive education is a key ground for a democratic country.”
As an experienced specialist in the field of special education, the professor underscored that it is highly important that children with special educational needs have equal rights at educational institutions.
While Mr Helldin realizes that it can cause some difficulties and problems, he also reminds that it is equally important to continue the introduction of new methods and improvement of the educational system.
With the help of a dialogue, Professor Magnus Magnuson referred to the peculiarities of the Swedish educational system, especially the characteristics of master's theses and conduct of examinations.
He underlined that students in his country are given maximum independence and can even take the role of an opponent during the defence of a master's thesis.
Regarding the system of inclusive education in Armenia, the Swedish specialist said, “The involvement of the society and development of the sphere seem to be gathering fresh momentum, with the lack of financial resources still remaining the main obstacle.”
At the end of the lecture the professor assured the participants that during the next meeting the problems of the sphere would be studied under a new light, with a special focus on the study of the Swedish language.
In her turn, Dean of the Faculty of Special Education, Armenuhi Avagyan, expressed her gratitude for the lecture. “We invited the Swedish specialists to familiarize our students with the system of inclusive education in Sweden. Very often, we have the impression that problems exist only in Armenia. Similar meetings disapprove these stereotypes, besides, the European experience helps future specialists overcome the problems encountered in the system of inclusive education.”
