ABSTRACT
Another area to which psychologists have made an important contribution to our thinking in primary education concerns children with special educational needs. The 1981 Education Act and the Warnock Report actively advocated the integration of children with special needs into ‘normal’ learning contexts. The next article by Mel Ainscow draws upon recent research into ‘Co-operative Learning’ as a means by which all children might become more successful learners. Although initially concerned with meeting special educational needs, the ideas proposed have practical applications for all primary classrooms and as can be seen extends the ideas of Rogers and Yamamoto, discussed earlier (pp. 352-8; 359-62). In particular Ainscow stresses the importance of considering the child as a learner and of their need to develop a positive self image. This is of special importance for children regarded as having special educational needs.
