AUTHORITATIVE APPROACH TO GROUPING STUDENTS DURING PHYSICAL EDUCATION LESSONS: PATHWAY TO OPTIMIZING INCLUSIVE EDUCATION

Abstract

Annotation. In the field of physical education in Ukrainian schools, there are two main approaches to grouping students: special medical groups and individual educational needs. Each of these approaches has its own advantages and disadvantages, and it is important to consider them to find the optimal solution and effectively implement it in Ukrainian school physical education practices. There is an ongoing discussion among experts regarding the necessity of grouping students, as there is no proven advantage in educating students in either homogeneous or heterogeneous groups. The effectiveness of the grouping process depends on the specific method applied. There is active discussion about criteria for dividing students considering their abilities.

The aim was to identify ways to improve the quality of educational services during physical education classes through effective formation of student groups. A survey was conducted among physical education teachers, with 730 respondents participating in the study. Our findings indicate that physical education teachers have more experience working with special medical groups than with special educational needs. Three-quarters of physical education teachers express the need for assistance from assistants and an increase in competence in working with children with health impairments.

Conclusion: the domestic experience of physical education teachers with students in special medical groups can be useful in developing optimal strategies for implementing inclusive education. It is necessary to establish such a system of differentiated physical education in legislation where all students, including those with special needs, will be considered recipients of special educational services. The proposed author's approach to dividing students in class based on indications/contraindications for performing physical exercises has numerous advantages and deserves implementation in the practice of physical education in general education institutions. Significant improvement in the effectiveness of physical education classes is possible with the assistance of additional specialists such as rehabilitation teachers.