A3 Book section, Chapters in research books
Changing vocational special needs education : From teacher to developer (2019)

Hirvonen, M., & Pirttimaa, R. (2019). Changing vocational special needs education : From teacher to developer. In A. Heikkinen, J. Pätäri, & G. Molzberger (Eds.), Disciplinary Struggles in Education (pp. 173-192). Tampere University Press. http://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-359-002-1

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Hirvonen, Maija; Pirttimaa, Raija

Parent publication: Disciplinary Struggles in Education

Parent publication editors: Heikkinen, Anja; Pätäri, Jenni; Molzberger, Gabriele

ISBN: 978-952-359-003-8

eISBN: 978-952-359-002-1

Publication year: 2019

Pages range: 173-192

Number of pages in the book: 262

Publisher: Tampere University Press

Place of Publication: Tampere

Publication country: Finland

Publication language: English

Persistent website address: http://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-359-002-1

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/65326

Abstract

Biographies can be used to examine changes in teaching and analyse how teachers experience education policies. This study focused on 11 vocational special needs education teachers (vocational SNE teachers) who wrote work-related memoirs. Six of them were also interviewed. Qualitative content analysis was used to determine how experienced SNE teachers describe the changes and challenges in vocational education and training since the 1970s. The findings suggested that the work of vocational SNE teachers has changed from segregated student-focused remedial instruction to planning and administrative work with indirect impact. Similarly, a change in competences is evident. The discipline “Special Education” showed very minor role in the interviews. However, the emancipatory ethos, advocation for those who are in disadvantaged positions, was strong.

Keywords: special education (upbringing); vocational special education; vocational special needs teachers; societal change; education policy; biographical research

Free keywords: teacher biographies; special needs education; vocational education

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2019

JUFO rating: 1