Cooperative Learning Through Art-Based Activities by Students with Hearing Disabilities Studying Abroad

Abstract

In recent years, Japan has promoted transactional education between children with and without disabilities to build a symbiotic society. is study aimed to develop an introductory program in a teacher training course that enables students with and without disabilities to establish close psychological ties with one another, and to cultivate a positive mindset and attitude toward social justice. Accordingly, the author created an art-based exchange program for an international student with a hearing disability and for three graduate students based on intergroup contact theory. e program involved 16 sessions, each lasting 90 minutes. e art-based activities were e ective as they (1) provided common ground for discussion among the students, and (2) generated sensitive and emotional communication about personal attributes.