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The identity of SENCos: insights through images
Author(s) -
Pearson Sue,
Ralph Sue
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
journal of research in special educational needs
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.543
H-Index - 27
ISSN - 1471-3802
DOI - 10.1111/j.1471-3802.2007.00079.x
Subject(s) - negotiation , context (archaeology) , photovoice , perception , identity (music) , pedagogy , special educational needs , sociology , psychology , special education , social science , aesthetics , philosophy , visual arts , geography , art , neuroscience , archaeology
Stimulated by special educational needs co‐ordinators’ (SENCos) reactions to a published image, the researchers used photovoice methodology to explore SENCos’ images of themselves in relation to the perceptions of three groups of their colleagues: senior management team, teachers and teaching assistants. The analysis of the images involved the application of Activity Theory, which has the capacity to illuminate and explore the social context. The results demonstrate the complexity of the role of the SENCo and the need to negotiate different perceptions. The authors argue the case for policies and procedure to fully take into account these differences. The adoption of this methodology helped to provide a deeper understanding of these issues.