What is a Personal Demonstrator?

1. What is a Personal Demonstrator?

2. Ossi KasurinenPersonal Demonstrator Former Student in Bsc (Hons) Major in Biology, Minor in Environmental Management

3. Work as Personal Demonstrator • Main point was to enable the student to work, not to do their work for them. • Most work took place in lab during practicals. • Some work out in the field and computer labs. • Help provided changed according to the student and situation.

4. Two students, two situations Student A Student B • More severe autismn. • Lesser practical skills. • Harder communication. • Highly skilled with computers. • Less severe autismn. • Higher practical skills • Easier communication. • Needed help with computers.

5. Adjusting to Student’s Needs Student A: • Needed a lot of help with practicals. • Two separate sets, one for student and one for demonstrator. Student follows demonstrator’s example. • Stressed when in group, thus worked separate from others.

6. Adjusting to Student’s Needs Student B: • Able to work in crowded areas. • Routines. • Only needed a bit more supervision, supporting explanation on what we’re doing and occasionally advise. • Only one set of equipment and little assistance. • Needed help with data handling and computer skills.

7. Results of the Scheme, Student A • After two months able to communicate more, even able to start a conversation. • Had learned enough to make a valid suggestion about the work. • Became much more efficient in working. • More certain of his ability to work in a lab.

8. Results of the Scheme, Student B • More confident of his work and abilities. • Was able to finish his work. • Higher skills in data handling.

9. Results of the Scheme, Demonstrator • Paid work related to course subject. • Able to experience what teaching is like. • Learning situation for the demonstrator as well. • Aided in winning the Worcester Award. • Great overall experience.

10. Any questions?