Observational education in Denmark : an integrated approach

This study focused on the form of special education in Denmark known as observational education (OE). Characteristics of the OE programs, its teachers and its pupils, were sought. OE was seen as having qualities similar to some form of special education in the United States. A California study (Keogh, et al., 1972) reviewed programs for educationally handicapped and educable mentally retarded pupils. The format of this study was used in the current study to review characteristics of programs in Danish OE. A review of the literature traced the history of special education in Denmark from the early 1800s to modern times. A developing trend toward providing education for children with social, emotional, behavioral, and educational problems in public schools was noted. OE endeavored to meet the needs of pupils with those types of problems. The underlying principle of OE in Denmark was seen as a program where children with special needs can be placed in situations where their educational needs could be met and where their ties with their peer group would be not severely disturbed. The situation that least disturbed the child's normal functioning was thought to be the best situation. The study of characteristics of OE programs, OE teachers, and OE pupils began by drawing a nationwide representative sample of Danish schools on the basis of population density and geopolitical areas. In each school district chosen, individual interviews were held with district officials responsible for OE programs as well as individual interviews with observation clinic (OC) teachers. Pupil characteristics were provided by school records as well as by assessments from OC teachers and district officials. A total of 16 administrators, 12 teachers, and 43 pupil records were examined. Responses from interviews and data from pupil records were recorded on forms and analyzed after all interviews were completed. Data indicated support for the previously stated underlying principles of OE in Denmark. Data provided information on current trends of special education in Denmark including high degrees of individualization and stress on positive cooperation within members of the special education community. Possible areas of improvement and self-study for OE programs in Denmark are indicated.