In-service training for mainstream primary teachers in belize in support of pupils with special educational needs

Abstract

This article describes and assesses in-service training seminars which were set up in 1995 in the Orange Walk District of Belize with the aim of improving educational opportunities for special needs pupils in mainstream schools. The background to the project is briefly described, including an outline of existing forms of teacher training. Reference is made to the particular difficulties of training delivered by expatriates. Materials were drawn from the UNESCO Special Needs in the Classroom Project supplemented by two other training packs. Comments on the advantages and drawbacks to the use of the materials in the Belize context are given.The overall ethos of the UNESCO project was found to be useful. Whole staff training through an active learning approach reduced some of the distancing effects of expatriate led training and resulted in stonger local ownership of the changes in practice advocated.