Group Work Activities and difficulties with Cognition
Remember, disability is a highly individualised experience. People with the same disability may have very different capabilities and/or needs, so it is always best to discuss any adaptations to practice, the environment or equipment directly with the disabled person themselves rather than making assumptions about what adjustments may be suitable.
Group work is a form of cooperative learning which aims to develop students knowledge, generic skills, (e.g. communication skills, collaborative skills, critical thinking skills) and attitudes. The ability to participate effectively in group work or team work is seen as a desirable employability skill and should be considered part of every learner’s educational experience.
People with Learning Disabilities, for example those with Down’s Syndrome, generally have a lower than average IQ and their thinking processes may be slower than others. For those engaged in group work, this means that they should make allowances for this slower paced thinking when discussing their work, engaged in problem solving, or when negotiating allocation of tasks for people with cognitive difficulties.
Effective communication within the group is critical to its successful operation, and the language used should be pitched at an appropriate level so that everyone has a clear understanding of the discussion. It would be helpful if the person with cognitive difficulties could be assigned a buddy, someone who could check their understanding of the discussion and who would help them to stay on track with their allocated tasks.
