Effect of individual and group play in teacher-centered and child-centered educational environment on the assessment bf motor performance and adaptive behavior of mentally retarded children

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of individual and group play teacher-centered and child-centered educational environment on the assessment of motor performance and adaptive behavior of mentally retarded children.

participants were children with intellectual disabilities (21 girls and 19 boys) aged7-10 years Gonbad City who were ratedad having a score of 45 and less basedon Rutter’s behavioral questionare (Norm of Iran and IQ range of 50-70. The were randomly divided into four groups of 10(two groups as teacher-centered and child-centered playing by group, and two groups as as teacher-centered and child-centered playing individually). Were engaged in the school motor play program (in group or individually and in child-centered enviornments or teacher-centered) in six weeks, two days a week, and in 12 sessions. Data were analyzed using SPSS software. One – way analysis of ANACOVA was used to test the research hypothesis.

The result showed that the effect of individual or group motor play in two child-centered or teacher- centered educational environments motor performance of children with mental retardation was significant motor performance were better in post-test compare to pre- test. Also, all groups showed less disturbed adaptive behavior in the post- test stage.

It was also found that the group playing as a team with coach-centered pedagogue performed functionaly better than the group playing individually with child- centererd pedagogue. Adaptive behavior was better in the group who practiced by team compared with the groups who practiced individually.