TEDI 3 Week 2 - Social Interaction Skills

Watermeyer, Brian; Leteane, Benedict

TEDI 3 Week 2 - Social Interaction Skills

MOOC

2019-06-01

Abstract

In this video, Brian Watermeyer and Benedict Leteane discuss social interaction skills in relation to the visually-impaired child. Brian introduces the concepts of 'incidental learning' and 'social-learning theory' in which children are theorised to learn social skills and conventions through observation as well as through deliberate instruction. Brian explores the segregated ways in which visually-impaired people have been socialised to behave in specific ways that reduce the discomfort experienced by sighted people. Benedict describes his experience and the experience of other visually-impaired individuals, exploring how certain common social situations (such as shaking hands, or using facial expressions) can be difficult to navigate. Brian and Benedict discuss how visually-impaired children are socialised differently and how sighted people can misinterpret the body language or behaviour of visually-impaired people in negative ways. Benedict discusses the particularly difficult dynamics around asking for (and refusing) help.

Keywords

disability education

visual impairment

Reference:

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Teaching and Learning

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