Adaptation of didactic methods for children with special needs in primary education

Abstract

The study aimed to address the adaptation of didactic methods for children with special educational needs in the context of inclusive education. The methodology included document analysis, comparison of teaching methods, observation of children’s interaction with the adapted materials, and statistical analysis of the data. The study analysed statistics from the Albanian Ministry of Education on the number of children with special needs, the level of their integration into mainstream schools, and the provision of adapted teaching materials to schools. The analysis of educational standards and international recommendations, including the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and UNESCO principles, was used to assess the role of regulatory documents in the development of inclusive education. Eight criteria covering objectives, structure, compliance with international standards and innovation were used to evaluate documents related to the adaptation of methods for children with special needs. Based on this assessment, the strengths and weaknesses of each document were identified, which became the basis for developing recommendations for improving inclusive education. The results of the study demonstrated the effectiveness of adapted didactic methods for children with special needs in different countries. Methods based on inclusive technologies, multisensory approach and differentiated learning provide a more accessible perception of the material and improve the learning process. Visual and tactile materials, as well as interactive technologies, contribute to the development of students with special needs and increase their activity in the learning process. The results also confirmed the need for further adaptation of educational programmes to ensure equal opportunities for all students. The practical significance of the study is determined by the improvement of methods and resources for teaching children with special needs.