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BSU Bahrain Practicum Exchange Program
Office of Institutional Diversity
A Collaborative Associates Proposal
Submitted By
Department of Special Education
Kourtland R. Koch
Azar Hadadian
Title: New Perspective: Understanding Disabilities in a Muslim World
Rational
In the future, education may become the dominant force in shaping our view of reality and our understanding of why events occur. Immerging perspectives after the events of 9/11, has brought abouta concerted effort to provide insight into the Muslim religion as it pertains to disabilities. Therefore, it is imperative to study this religion in different dimensions not typically already explored. Given the long history of the Muslim religion, disability, as a human dimension is an area of interest which should be better understood. Dr. Koch and Dr. Hadadianrecipients of an International Profile Program (IPP) grant award, a program launched to further enhance the internationalization of BallStatepossess the professional background and personal experiences to gather information to be presented to the BallState community concerning this topic of growing interest.
Overview of the Project
As educators in this era, we have a professional responsibility to teach our students how best to access and evaluate the vast spectrum of information, in the variety of forms and structures, which they have available to them. Today's teachers must not only know their content areas well, but must, also be strong, creative, and caring leaders of classroom practices to meet the increasingly pluralistic needs of our students in relation to education based upon cultural and religious differences. Dr. Koch and Dr. Hadadian will share information from available research as well as first hand experiences while visiting various Muslim countries.
Potential Products
A PowerPoint presentation will include video clips from locations aboard that may include universities, public/private schools and interviews with selected individuals.
Dissemination Plan
Presentation materials will be disseminated to the Special Education Department, Teachers College, and the BallState community at large.
Project Benefits
This project will diversifyand enhancepersonal and departmental perspectives and its current curricular attempts to address the strategic goals of Teacher's College. In addition, this project may create interest in students majoring in special education to participate in various study abroad programs. Projects as such, can ultimately lead to the better preparation of future educators when addressing the needs of a diverse America in the 21st Century.