Abstract:

At this paper certain experimental photography lessons are proposed that took place in a special needs education school at a secondary level, in Athens, Greece. These courses aim to integrate experiential sensory learning into Photography teaching methodologies in the field of special needs education, through the utilization of Kolb's model of experiential learning.

The art of Photography is intertwined with experiential learning, in almost it’s every manifestation, as according to Piaget, knowledge is built upon the subject's own observations. For this reason, it is essential to activate students with special needs by trying to engage them into experiential and sensory experiences, in a winding process based on observation and reflection on the experience.

In this series of experimental lessons, we engaged students with activities and guide them through the various stages of Kolb's learning process, initially through engaging in sensory experiences that lead to observation, reflection on these experiences and end to creative practice.

The goal is to propose new ways of approaching students with special needs education to learn photography, understand the basic photographic criteria and develop fundamental skills. In addition, new methodological practices will emerge in which students can become able to understand their act, to learn from their practical work and finally to be led to the autonomy of artistic photographic practice.

Keywords:

Special Needs Education, Teaching methodologies in Photography, Experiential learning, Sensory Learning.