Nurturing Inclusive Education through Cooperative Learning as Pedagogical Approach at Primary School Level

Abstract

Inclusive education is a way of reducing exclusion and increasing participation in such a way that responds effectively to the diverse needs of all learners without differentiating on the basis of their weaknesses and strengths. This approach with the use of cooperative learning strategies provides an ample opportunity to learners by developing a sense of community where their voices are heard and responded. This qualitative inquiry was planned to look at prospects of cooperative learning instructional strategies to foster inclusion in the learning environment. The main objective of this study was to examine students’ success through cooperative learning instructional strategies that are conducive to foster inclusion in the classroom. Data were collected from seven highly experienced teachers of inclusive schools by using purposive sampling technique. Participants were provided fair chance to share their belief and experiences aligned with the topic of cooperative learning for inclusion. The findings indicated that teachers use Co-op, Co-op, Numbered Heads Together, Social Skills Training and Jigsaw techniques for students on IEPs (individualized education plans) to create cooperative learning environment that is conducive to inclusive education. It is recommended that training sessions and workshops should be organized for teachers to assist them in effective implementation of cooperative learning approach. To gain more generalizable results, the study may be conducted by using quantitative approach as well.