July 12, 2006
My Reflections: Special Education in Malaysia
It was once my dream to pursue further studies in the area of special education in the United States. As a special education teacher in Malaysia, with limited knowledge (even though I did receive a M.Ed in Special Education from Universiti Malaya) and limited experience, I wanted to be good at what I do. I was frustrated when I encounter behaviors that I couldn’t control. Many a times, I did not know what is the next thing I should teach or how to teach it. There was a lot of trial and error learning. I got better at some things and remain clueless in others. Most importantly I got to know and love the students. And I learned to read them pretty well and this helped prevent some challenging behaviors from escalating. But I failed to teach the kids many functional skills that they would need in life.
I am now beginning my fourth year in the Ph.D. program in Special Education in the states. I have taken 60 credit hours in special education and related courses and am working under the tutelage of good professors in this field. Many a times, I sat in lectures, and as I learned new things, I reflected on my special education practices with my students and realized that I should have done things differently. Other times, I realized that I did do what is considered best practices, maybe in a rather primitive form, but nevertheless it was assuring that I did not do everything wrong.
Documenting some of my struggles, reflecting on them and hypothesizing possible strategies that I could have used, I hope will help me be a better practioner of special education.
Comments(7)
Hi,
First of all i have to say thanks to you, because youare working for exceptional children. For working with this type of children, we have to pay more attention and concentration and we have to love them otherwise its very difficult teach them. If u love them ,and they will also love double. I know how much they will show affection to their loved once.
I was worked with this more than 6 years in India.
I have done masters in Psychology and Home-Science[child Development],Spl. B.Ed[M.R].
Now im in Malaysia at Kuala lumpur , I’m searching for a job in this area. I love to work with this children. I feel its easy to teach exceptional children rather than normal kids.
I’m waiting for ur replay
My contact no:-60-142608802
One more thing u have to help like how to appear for M.Ed course in Malaysia.
Thanks & Regards
Harini.
hello… i’m a 15 year old student from johor.. i’m actually confused of what i want to be when i grow up.. i really like to teach special children… i’ve always had a soft spot for them.. i wish to take the special education course in USM, penang… but the issue that worries me right now is:
1. is there good demand on this carrier?
2. is there anything any other choices of carrier(besides being a teacher) regarding special need children??
3. is it very tough??
please rep ASAP… thankz a million..
regards,
padmini
Hi Padmini,
For a 15-year old, you have given quite a lot of thought about what you want to be when you grow up…that’s very remarkable
1. Is there a demand for special education teachers?
There is always a good demand for special education teachers in both the public (government) and private schools.
2. Is there any other career that work with children with disabilities?
Yes. Speech language pathologist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, psychologist, nurse, medical doctor, social worker…. these are some careers that work directly with children with disabilities.
3. Is being a special education teacher tough?
In general, it is challenging being a special education teacher. I see it as a career that requires constant problem-solving. You have to put a lot of effort in teaching your student but you also gain a lot when your student learns important skills that will improve his/her life.
My advise to you is to concentrate on your studies now, do well in your SPM and STPM. Then you’ll have the opportunity to choose to go into any career that you want.
Don’t worry about the distant future
just passed by…me too, oledi struggle few yrs in this field…. now continue my study at Taiwan in Special Edu… try to learn more n bac to msia to help more ppl…
Thank you for your selflessness. I hope my 6 year old son will be lucky enough to have a teacher like you. Could you please tell me where can I find a list of the government schools with special classes in KL and Selangor area?
Hi…. this is mary rose capilla.Taking up special education right now at Silliman University. I am so much thankful of taking this course cause I know that it would fulfill my dreams in life. I wanted to teach special children,touch their hearts,and let them know how imporatant they are in this world. I love teaching special children!!
Hi Helen,
You can try contacting the Jabatan Pendidikan Khas directly. Here is their website: http://www.moe.gov.my/jpkhas/
Their phone number is listed on their website.