Identification of Backward Children


Identification of Backward Children
A. Identifying Features of Backward Children:

1. Physical characteristics: Compared with normal children, backward children have been found inferior in physical development; they have poor muscular co-ordination, short reaction time, more physical defects of eye, ears and serious speech defects.

2. Mental characteristics: Low IQ, lesser capacity of abstract thinking and to correlate various experiences, lack of reasoning ability, inability to analyze and think critically.

3. Social and moral characteristics: They are often socially rejected and isolated. They make good adjustment in non-academic pursuits as a compensatory defense mechanism. They are good followers and highly appreciate what is done for them. Due to low intelligence, the incidence of cheating is higher in them.

B. Tools and Techniques to identifying Backward Children:

1. Achievement tests and Diagnostic tests: These tests will help the teacher to assess the extent and nature of backwardness in specific subjects.

2. Intelligence tests: The intellectual level of slow learners can be assessed by using a standardized intelligence test.

3. Other Psychological test: The child’s other abilities like creativity, aptitude, attitude, level of achievement motivation, interests, mental health status etc. Should be ascertained by means of other psychological tests.

4. Situational tests and Observation: The child’s overall behaviour and behaviour in specific situations should be judjed through situational tests and by the observation method.

5. Medical examination: The physical and physiological conditions of the backward child can be determined  by a thorough medical examination.



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