Special educational needs practices in Norwegian and Belarusian preschools

The study investigates and compares the relationship between kindergarten teachers and children with language difficulties in a Norwegian and Belarusian context. The research question is: What characterises kindergarten employees’ relationships to children with learning difficulties, and how are these relationships experienced?

The author finds three aspects that shed light on the differences in the relationship between employees and children in the two countries: Initial positioning, teacher support and care. She believes that the differences are due to both the individuality and interpersonal characteristics of the employees, but also differences in the sociocultural context of the two countries. The Belarusian kindergarten teacher had a strong focus on results in the special needs education support. Here, the teacher-oriented support led to the emotional warmth and closeness being limited. The employee was in a dominant relationship with the child, which affected the child’s role as an active and meaningful subject. In the Norwegian context, the special needs education support was closely related to care. The kindergarten teacher emphasised that the child should gain experience on their own. A special needs education approach of this nature resulted in the child having difficulty regulating and organising themselves.

Through a qualitative case study, the researcher interviewed and observed two kindergarten teachers, one from Norway and one from Belarus. Both kindergarten teachers were around the same age, had the same education and work experience, and worked with children with learning difficulties. The children involved in the investigation were a Norwegian and a Belarusian boy, both were 5 years old and received special needs education support. Data was collected using video observation and interviews recorded by video. The results were analysed using a narrative analysis and the two stories were then compared.

Hanssen, N. B. (2018). "Special educational needs practices in Norwegian and Belarusian preschools". Akademisk avhandling. Nord universitet.