Browsing by Subject "koululykkäys"

Goals: The aim was to find out what types of children benefit start class activity and the interventions that takes place there. I also wanted to know if a child could be transferred to a normal general education after studying in start class. In addition the study aimed to clarify if the children who are postponing the start of school were born at the end of the year as assumed and how the teachers of the start class experienced the new three-step support in their work. The goal of the study was to increase the knowledge about the children who benefit start class activity and to transfer the methods used in start class so that they can be used earlier. It is generally known that early intervention is an efficient mean to prevent problems from accumulating. Methods: Theme interview was used to interview and observe all four start class teachers in one city in Southern Finland. The information gathered was analyzed with content analysis. The teachers also gave information about the children's age, future schools and the possible support related to studying. Results and conclusions: The teachers' opinion is that start class is suitable for children who have slight problems in their learning and who have not yet developed their so called learning readiness like listening instructions for example. Clear structure helped a child to predict and direct his/her actions. Assistants had a great significance in differentiating activities and creating a safe environment. The overall developing of a child and functionality in teaching were important factors. The amount of children born in the last quarter of the year was 66.67 % of all children. The goal of general education did not come true in 30.6 % of the children and they were given special support in their studies. In the future it would be even more important to find the children in the need of support in their studies even earlier so they could be supported properly.