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3501 Attitude Change of Primary Pupils Towards Peers with ASD: Briefing on Drama-in-Education Workshops

Friday, July 11, 2008: 10:45 AM-12:00 PM

Tampa 1 (Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center)

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From August, 2007 to January, 2008, a series of drama-in-education workshops were conducted in Hong Kong primary schools, titled as “Open Windows of the Minds”, in collaboration by the two speakers. The objective of the workshops was to improve mainstream students’ attitude towards peers with ASD and promote peer support for students with ASD included in mainstream classrooms. We conducted 62 workshops for over 3,300 primary pupils. The results from both quantitative and qualitative considerations are encouraging. There will be three parts in the proposed presentation-

1.1. Related perspectives

2.2. Implementation

3.3. Effectiveness

Related perspectives: Eva will discuss the perspectives related to promoting an inclusive culture including-

l- the present situation of inclusive schooling in Hong Kong

l- the challenges of inclusive schooling, with the inclusion of children with ASD in particular, in Hong Kong

l- the need for advocacy, with children with ASD in particular

Implementation: Mandu will describe the implementation process of the drama-in-education workshops including-

l- basics of drama-in-education

l- idea generating

l- securing community support

l- actor recruitment and training

l- creative process

l- contents of the workshops

l- some points to note

l- some technical information about the workshops

Effectiveness: Finally, Eva will discuss the effectiveness of the drama-in-education workshops based on the questionnaire exercise. She will present the findings from the questionnaire exercise and other qualitative considerations on the effectiveness of the workshops.

How the session contributes to best practice and advances the field of ASD

Children with ASD are generally considered as the most challenging students with special educational needs in inclusive settings. In Hong Kong, mainstream students’ lack of understanding about the needs of their ASD peers has failed many students (both mainstream and ASD) to co-operate, support and stay in harmony with each other. The project is the result of collaboration between special education experts and drama artists. This is a new attempt in Asian countries and will provide inspiration to related professionals all over the world.

Others

The presentation will take about 75 minutes.

Learning Objectives:

to brief a recent successful example of advocacy in Hong Kong
to help audience understand the situation on inclusive schooling and advocacy related to ASD in Hong Kong
to help audience witness the successful collaboration of a special education expert and a drama artist in putting forward an advocacy project which involves massive participation

Content Area: Family and Sibling Support

Presenters:

Eva Shui Ying Lai, Ed.D.
Independant educationer
Mandu Shed of Creation

Eva’s commitment to the education of children with special needs is long-standing, including being a special school teacher for over 15 years and her involvement in training teachers since 1999. At present, she is engaged in education and advocacy work related to autism in the capacity of an independent scholar.

Mandu James Yim Cheung Cheung, B.S. (Social Sciences)
Creative Writer
Mandu Shed of Creation

Mandu is a freelance creative writer, writing mainly drama scripts. He voluntarily serves individuals with ASD in Hong Kong, China, Macau and Singapore, and organisations which serve these people. His direction of creation is to create pieces with love and caring themes on sustainable living, minorities and social justice.

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