Page 6 - LESSION 21.pmd

Inclusion : Concept and Practice

Method of organising a cooperative learning based task in a preschool
Task: Colouring the given figure.
Notes
Traditional learning approach: Each child will be given a sheet and
crayons to colour. Children complete the given task individually and submit
the same to teacher for feedback.
Cooperative learning approach: All children including Children With
Special Needs would be divided in small groups, may be groups of five
children. Each group is asked to sit in a circle. Each child is given an
individual colouring sheet. Each group is given two packets of crayons. Each
packet contains 12 crayons. The children are asked to colour the sheets and
help each other in their colouring. The group is required to submit the sheets
together.
¾ Reflect on the above task:

i. Are children collaborating in the task?

ii. How?
¾ Challenges one may encounter:

i. More than two children may wish to use the same crayon at the same
time
ii. Children may scribble over each other’s sheets

iii. The child finishing early may want to finish another child’s drawing
Including and respecting all children in the group, reflects the spirit of inclusion
and develops the classroom as a community. For example, by being a member
of same group the child with speech impairments may learn to express him/
herself to others more freely and confidently via gestures and his/her
communication skills might improve. Similarly, the other members of the group
may learn to accept him as a member of the group and include him/her in the
other activities also. Cooperative learning can help promote tolerance, acceptance
and empathy by working together in the group.
Comparison of both the approaches

Traditional approach Cooperative Learning approach

A good class is a quiet class Learning involves healthy noise
This is an independent task. This is collaborative teamwork

Keep your eyes on your paper Ask your partner for help

Sit quietly Get up and look at what others are doing
Talking is cheating Talking is learning

206 EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION