Paper short abstract:

This research project aims to explore the collaborative model developed by indigenous Atayal communities and the Centre for Teacher Education and Career Development of the University of Taipei in Taiwan.

Paper long abstract:

This research project aims to explore the collaborative model developed by indigenous Atayal communities and the Centre for Teacher Education and Career Development of the University of Taipei in Taiwan. The model relates to the professional development of teachers in the field of special education. The research project involves a two-year schedule with fieldwork scheduled for each year, focused around two Atayal communities located in rural areas in New Taipei City and Yilan County in northern Taiwan. The choice of these two sites responds to, as well as adds to, earlier works by a number of scholars on indigenous and inclusive education.

The first year of study starts with the collection of Atayal knowledge about disability and special education in the contemporary world context. It then reviews theoretical approaches to special needs and disability within the field of education, including the psycho-medical approach, the societal approach, the organisational approach and the socio-cultural approach, which are juxtaposed with the current condition and future challenges of special education in indigenous communities across Taiwan. The second year of study begins with the incorporation of Atayal aspects of special education into the work of the teacher education and career development centre, such as curriculum and pedagogy, practice and training and the collaboration between school and communities, with a view to establishing a sustainable collaborative and sustainable relationship. The research results will reveal Atayal-oriented views on the collaborative relationship between Atayal communities and the Centre for Teacher Education and Career Development.