Peer Assisted Learning Strategies for Learning Science at Secondary Level in inclusive School

Abstract

The present study entitled Peer Assisted Learning Strategies (PALS) for Learning Science newlineat Secondary Level in Inclusive School is related to the effective use of Peer Assisted Learning newlineStrategy to enhance learning of Science subject. The techniques adopted as Peer Learning Strategy in newlinethis study are Partner Reading, Paragraph Shrinking Technique, Quiz Activity and Project work with newlinepartner. PAL Strategy is evidence based learning strategies widely used in the industrial countries. newlineOne of the main reasons for high dropout rates that researches have reported in India is the lack of newlineappropriate classroom instruction to meet the diverse needs of children with all abilities. With this newlinepremise an attempt was made to design PAL Strategy in Indian context and study its effect on learning newlineScience subject among VII Grade students. This study was experimental in nature wherein Peer newlineAssisted Learning Strategy was used to enhance reading which is basic for all learning. The overall newlineobjective was to assess the effectiveness of Peer Assisted Learning Strategies on Learning of Science newlineSubject among VII Grade students both in Control and Experimental Group. The sample comprised of newline188 students, both Boys and Girls. There were 116 students in Experimental and 72 students in newlineControl Group and the Independent variables include: Gender, Medium of Instruction, PAL Strategies newlinesuch as Partner Reading, Paragraph Shrinking, Quiz Activity and Project Activity with Partner and the newlineDependent variables include score/ performance in Pre and posttests and the scores obtained using newlinePAL Strategies. The Tools are: Assessment tool for understanding and comprehension of Science newlinelesson before and after introduction of PALS, assessment tool for the summarization of main concept, newlineQuiz questions, and assessment scale for Partner project. The major results of the study are: The newlinestudents in Experimental Group secured higher score than students Control Group. Reading newlinePerformance score of students was increased after introduction of PALS (Pre Mean: 8.66 a