The Effects of Group Therapy Using a Cooperative Learning in Aphasics

협력학습을 통한 실어증자의 그룹치료 효과

This study attempted to determine the effects of a cooperative and cognitive group therapy compared to individual therapy in 24 aphasic subjects. Two dependent variables were measured overall language performance, functional communication skills. 18 subjects with different types and severity of aphasia participated in the group therapy. 6 aphasic subjects participated in the individual therapy and they functioned as a control group. The subjects were ranged from 27 to 59 years in age. The group therapy using the cooperative learning utilized the following procedures. First, 6 aphasics constituted 1 group where each subject peformed a task and they monitored one another. Second, 2 aphasics consisted 1 group and they cooperated to perform a task. Third, 3 groups with 2 aphasics in a group competed one another in a task where the 2 aphasics had to cooperated. Finally, the investigator gave the feedback to the group and she and the subjects discussed the overall procedures of the therapy. The above mentioned 2 tests were administered pre- and post-treatment. A repeated two-way ANOVA was performed for analysis. The results showed that the group therapy was more effective in improving overall language performance as compared to the individual therapy. And, the group therapy was more effective in increasing functional communication skills as compared to the individual therapy.