Use of Non-Cognitive Techniques for Identification and Assessment of Persons with Special Needs for Test Fairness and National Integration

Abstract

This paper discussed the use of non-cognitive techniques for identification and assessment of persons with special needs for test fairness and national integration in Nigeria. Non-cognitive techniques are socio-emotional skills that are used to identify, classify, ad place individuals with special needsin schools to facilitate the realization of educational goals as stated in the National Policy on Education. On the other hand, persons with special needs refer to any individual with difficulties such as a physical, emotional, behavioural, or learning disability or impairment which causes such individual to require additional or specialized services to function effectively in the school system.The paper has explained the scope of non-cognitive technique which include emotional maturity, empathy, interpersonal skills and verbal and non-verbal communication, conscientiousness, perseverance, and teamwork.The dimensions of persons with special needs have been analyzed. These are mobility and physical impairment, spinal cord disability, head injuries-brain disability, vision disability, hearing disability, learning disability, and psychological disorder. Causes of disability among persons with special needs such as communicable diseases and non-communicable diseases, injuries and mental health problems have been discussed. Non-cognitive kills foe identification of persons with special needs have also been analyzed. These include academic perseverance, learning strategies, social skills, and academic mindset. Non-cognitive ways for assessing persons with special needs such as data collection, analysis, evaluation, determination, and recommendation have been explained. The paper has provided non-cognitive interventions for persons with special needs. These are assistive technologies and devices, rehabilitation, and community-based rehabilitation. The paper has suggested workshops and seminars for teachers, parents, and school managers on methods and materials to be used while teaching persons with special needs for fairness and national integration.