Special education is a type of education that caters to students with special needs, such as those with disabilities, behavioral disorders, or learning difficulties. These students require special attention and instruction to learn and develop to their full potential. Therefore, teachers need to adopt an active learning approach to cater to the unique needs of students with special needs.
Active learning is a teaching method that engages students in the learning process by allowing them to participate in their own learning experience. This blog will discuss the approach to active learning in special education and highlight five active learning approaches teachers can adopt.
Approach to Active Learning in Special Education
1. Collaborative Learning
Collaborative learning is a type of active learning that involves students working together in groups to complete a task or solve a problem. This approach benefits students with special needs by allowing them to collaborate, share ideas, and learn from one another. Collaborative learning also helps students develop social, communication, and problem-solving skills. In special education, cooperative learning can teach students to work in teams and manage their time effectively.
2. Hands-on learning
Hands-on learning is a type of active learning that involves students engaging in physical activities to learn a new concept. This approach is handy for students with special needs as it allows them to learn by doing. Students can use manipulatives or conduct experiments to learn new concepts. Hands-on learning is also beneficial as it helps students to retain information better than traditional teaching methods. Hands-on learning can be used to teach students about science, math, and other subjects, to avail scholarship for school students.
3. Differentiated Instruction
Differentiated instruction is a type of active learning that involves teachers tailoring their teaching methods to meet the individual needs of each student. This approach allows them to learn at their own pace and in a way that works best for them. For example, teachers can use different teaching methods, such as visual aids, auditory aids, and hands-on activities, to help students learn new concepts. In special education, differentiated instruction can be used to help students with learning difficulties or disabilities to learn at a pace that suits them.
4. Inquiry-based Learning
Inquiry-based learning is a type of active learning that involves students asking questions, conducting research, and making discoveries on their own. For students with special needs, the approach allows learning by exploring their own interests and curiosities. Teachers can guide students by asking open-ended questions and providing resources, but it is up to the students to take the lead in their learning.
Inquiry-based learning is also beneficial as it helps students develop critical thinking skills and solve problems independently, starting from Class 3 Admission. In addition, inquiry-based learning can teach students about history, social studies, and other subjects.
5. Project-based learning
Project-based learning is a type of active learning that involves students working on a long-term project that involves multiple subjects. This approach benefits students with special needs by allowing them to work on a project that interests them and they can take ownership of. Project-based learning also helps students to develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills. In special education, project-based learning can teach students about various subjects and help them develop their research and presentation skills.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the approach to active learning in special education is essential in ensuring that students with special needs can learn and develop to their full potential. Teachers can adopt various active learning approaches such as collaborative, hands-on, differentiated, inquiry-based, and project-based learning to help students learn and grow.
Parents can also play a crucial role in supporting their child’s learning by encouraging them to participate actively in their education. They should also check if the school has provisions for special education right from their class 3 admission or whichever class they are.