Co-operative learning for learners with special educational needs

Date
2004-03
Authors
Paulsen, Magdalena Elizabeth
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: With current legislation focusing on the implementation of inclusive education, more learners with diverse needs are entering the regular classroom. In order to effectively address the needs of all learners, it is necessary for educators to implement effective teaching 'strategies in educating learners with diverse needs. Many educators have not been trained to address the needs of learners with special educational needs with the help of specific teaching strategies. Because of this, effective in-service training programmes for educators are necessary. The primary aim of this research study was to determine whether the following outcomes of an in-service programme on co-operative learning for educators have materialised in the academic achievement, social skills and motivation of learners with special educational needs have improved. The research design was evaluative in nature and specifically addressed the question of whether the participants (the learners with special educational needs) changed in the direction that the programme was planned. An integrated qualitative and quantitative methodology in evaluation research was followed and involved observations before, during and after the intervention. Research findings indicated that both learners with special educational needs and regular classroom learners benefited favourably from the co-operative learning lessons in terms of academic achievement, motivation and social skills.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Met die huidige wetgewing wat die fokus toenemend op die implementering van inklusiewe onderrig laat val, betree al hoe meer leerders met diverse behoeftes die gewone klaskamer. Ten einde in die behoeftes van alle leerders te voorsien, is dit nodig dat opvoeders by die opvoeding van leerders met diverse behoeftes effektiewe onderrigstrategieë implementeer. Baie opvoeders is nie opgelei om met behulp van spesifieke onderrigstrategieë die behoeftes van leerders met spesiale opvoedkundige behoeftes aan te spreek nie. Vir hierdie rede is effektiewe indiensopleidingsprogramme vir opvoeders noodsaaklik. Die hoofdoel van hiedie navorsingstudie was om vas te stelof die uitkomste van 'n indiensopleidingsprogram in kooperatiewe leer vir opvoeders verwerklik is en of die akademiese prestasie, sosiale vaardighede en motivering van leerders met spesiale opvoedkundige behoeftes verbeter het. Die navorsingsontwerp was evaluerend van aard en het spesifiek die vraag aangespreek of die deelnemers (die leerders met spesiale opvoedkundige behoeftes) verandering getoon het in die rigting wat deur die programbeplanning in die vooruitsig gestel is. 'n Geïntegreerde kwalitatiewe en kwantitatiewe metodologie in evalueringsnavorsing is gevolg en het waarneming voor, tydens en ná die intervensie behels. Navorsingsbevindings het getoon dat sowel leerders met spesiale opvoedkundige behoeftes as gewoneklaskamer-Ieerders ten opsigte van akademiese prestasie, motivering en sosiale vaardighede by die koëperatieweleer-lesse baat gevind het.
Description
Dissertation (PhD)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004.
Keywords
Children with disabilities -- Education, Group work in education, Inclusive education, Dissertations -- Education, Theses -- Education
Citation