Teachers’ use of Cooperative Learning Strategy for Enhancing Academic Performance of Students with Cerebral Palsy in Special Secondary Schools for the Physically Disabled in Kenya

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume II, Issue X, October 2018 | ISSN 2454–6186

Teachers’ use of Cooperative Learning Strategy for Enhancing Academic Performance of Students with Cerebral Palsy in Special Secondary Schools for the Physically Disabled in Kenya

Molly Merrab Akinyi Ogalloh*, Fransiscah Irangi Wamocho, Nelly Anne Otube

Faculty Department of Special Needs Education, Kenyatta University, P. O. Box 43844-00100 Nairobi, Kenya
*Corresponding Author: Molly Merrab Akinyi Ogalloh

Abstract : The purpose of this study was to establish teachers’ use of cooperative learning strategy in achieving academic performance of students with cerebral palsy in selected special secondary schools for the physically disabled in Kenya. Performance in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Examination amongst learners with cerebral palsy in special secondary schools for the physically disabled in Kenya has remained poor compared to those in regular secondary schools. The major reason being the teaching approaches adopted by teachers which are dominated by teacher-centered approach. The study was based on constructivist theory that states that learners obtain knowledge through self-direction and interaction with their environment. The study adopted descriptive survey design and mixed methodologies in both data collection and data analysis. Observation check list, interview guides and questionnaires were used to identify how the teachers used cooperative learning instructional strategies for academic performance. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic approach while Quantitative data was analyzed descriptively using statistical tools and presentation given in visual displays. The study revealed that majority of the teachers preferred cooperative learning because all students get involved in the lesson. Major recommendations made were that there was need of spacious classrooms to accommodate students with Cerebral Palsy. There is also need to train more teachers in special needs education to use cooperative learning for academic performance. Special institutions should also be well funded to enable the teachers get relevant resources for better academic performance of students with Cerebral Palsy.

Keywords: Academic Performance, cerebral palsy, cooperative learning, instructional strategy, and learner centered instruction.

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