Speciallärares metodval och påverkande faktorer

: En studie av speciallärares erfarenheter inom matematikinlärning

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate which factors influence the method choices that special mathematics teachers make in their teaching. We particularly want to understand how the students' individual conditions affect these choices and how the special education teachers adapt their methods to support the students. Through semi-structured interviews, we have collected data from seven special mathematics teachers at seven different primary schools in southwestern and western Sweden. Special education in mathematics has received increased attention in recent years and the need for special teachers in the field is great. There can be various reasons why students end up with mathematics difficulties, and to meet these students both subject-related and special pedagogical competence is required. Individually adapted work with students who are at risk of developing mathematics difficulties can make a big difference to the students' knowledge development. The time spent on such work need not be extensive, but different students need different adaptations and efforts of varying forms. A special teacher must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the scientific basis in the field as well as insight into ongoing research and development work. The previous research on which the study is based includes both national and international studies as well as relevant literature on different methods for learning mathematics. The results show that there are several different factors that play a role in special education teachers' choice of teaching methods. Both external and internal factors play a role in special education teachers' choice of methods, and the students' individual circumstances also play a role in different ways. The results also show individual adaptations for students, even if the special teachers express a difficulty in fully adapting individually.

Date of Award	2025-Jun
Original language	Swedish
Supervisor	Balli Lelinge (Supervisor), Christina Svensson (Assessor) & Helena Sjunnesson (Examiner)