Abstract:
Educational research at national and international levels highlights the need of schools to identify effective methodologies to promote active participation and the development of relational skills in students with special educational needs (SEN) throughout their educational journey. Among the methodologies described in the literature, cooperative learning (CL) helps students overcome challenges relating to academic performance, emotional-relational development, and the impact on self-perception. The present study aims to explore if and how CL may be considered an inclusive educational device to improve the quality of learning processes in students with SEN. After analyzing the data collected through the brainstorming methodology in a school setting, it emerged that actively participating in CL activities allows students with SEN to increase their self-esteem and educational leadership.