Group Work Activities and difficulties with Organisation
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.
Some people with Specific Learning Difficulties such as dyslexia or dyspraxia can exhibit poor self organisation skills and/or difficulties organising their learning materials. As members of a group, dyslexic learners often make a significant contribution through their ability to ‘think outside of the box’, but unless addressed, their poor self management can prove challenging and frustrating for their peers, particularly when grades will be awarded for their joint work. People who have acquired brain injury or Learning Disabilities may also find it difficult to organise themselves and their work.
It is essential that the teacher helps set expectations and boundaries for the disabled learner. By helping the group to indentify pragmatic ways to organise themselves and their workload, the teacher can model good practice and the disabled learner can learn to improve their self organisation skills.
Having people in a group with particular needs can strengthen a group’s sense of team work and camaraderie as they work together to find solutions to each others’ needs.
