ALICE DESCOEUDRES’ PROPOSAL FOR SPECIAL TEACHING: A HISTORICAL REFERENCE IN BRAZILIAN EDUCATION

ABSTRACT

This article presents the special teaching proposal developed by the Swiss educator Alice Descoeudres, based on the analysis of one of her key works: A educação das crianças retardadas: seus princípios, seus métodos (The education of retarded children: its principles, its methods, 2nd Brazilian edition/translation of the 4th original edition), published in 1968 by the Pestalozzi Society of Minas Gerais. The research follows a historiographical approach by examining the book in its historical context and its introduction in Brazil. Based on questions about the nature of the book and the educational proposal it outlines, content analysis was carried out through thematic categories. The results are organized into two main categories: the first category adresses general issues concerning the organization of special teaching, divided into four subsections covering historical aspects, the organization of school systems, fundamental principles, and teacher training for special teaching; and the second category deals with pedagogical issues, focusing on psycho-sensory-motor education, practical education and manual activities, language education, and moral education. Descoeudres’ proposal for special teaching emphasizes individualization and the adaptation to students’ interests and needs, while also advocating a practical, playful, and flexible approach to instruction, aimed at the holistic development of the individual and at social integration as its primary function.

KEYWORDS:
Alice Descoeudres; Special teaching; History of Special Education.