h.+Strategies+for+communication+and+social+skills

STRATEGIES FOR COMMUNICATION AND SOCIAL SKILLS The diverse backgrounds, abilities and interests of the year 11 class require specific strategies that will address the needs of all the students. Co-operative learning strategies have been planned to assist in building peer relationships and to enhance learning opportunities. Activities incorporating groupwork help students “develop social skills, respect for individual differences, and teamwork when they work in co-operative groups on academic activities that are structured with mutual goals and equal status participation for all members of the group" (Morrison & Allen, 2007, p.165). A constructivist approach has been adapted to provide students direction where required whilst at the same time, students with strong historical literacy and interest have the opportunity to continue their development in senior history.  A range of activities incorporating Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences also caters and acknowledges the diverse strengths and abilities that are evident in the classroom. Allowing students to write a newspaper report, create a protest banner or radio broadcast assists them to develop their communication and social skills in a multitude of ways. Our student with specific social difficulties will be paired with a peer mentor who can provide some extra support. This student’s progress will be closely monitored and further assistance may be required to establish the reasons for the difficulties.

Source: Morrison, G. & Allen, M. (2007). Promoting student resilience in school contexts. //Theory into practice//, 46(2), 162-169. Retrieved from []

