Co-operative learning for learners with special educational needs

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:With current legislation focusing on the implementation of inclusive education,more learners with diverse needs are entering the regular classroom. In order toeffectively address the needs of all learners, it is necessary for educators toimplement effective teaching 'strategies in educating learners with diverse needs.Many educators have not been trained to address the needs of learners withspecial educational needs with the help of specific teaching strategies. Becauseof this, effective in-service training programmes for educators are necessary.The primary aim of this research study was to determine whether the followingoutcomes of an in-service programme on co-operative learning for educatorshave materialised in the academic achievement, social skills and motivation oflearners with special educational needs have improved.The research design was evaluative in nature and specifically addressed thequestion of whether the participants (the learners with special educational needs)changed in the direction that the programme was planned. An integratedqualitative and quantitative methodology in evaluation research was followed andinvolved observations before, during and after the intervention.Research findings indicated that both learners with special educational needsand regular classroom learners benefited favourably from the co-operativelearning lessons in terms of academic achievement, motivation and social skills.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University