The critical issue Connor, Gallagher, Ferri, Dudley-Marling, and others have put before everyone in this special issue of the "Learning Disability Quarterly" is the hegemony of quantitative methodologies and subsequent marginalization of qualitative research. On this the author is in full agreement. When the human sciences use only quantitative…

The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised arithmetic subtest revealed a significant difference in performance between sixth graders with learning disabilities, including arithmetic, and Ss who were learning disabled in areas other than arithmetic. A significant main effect was associated with type of presentation/response behaviors. (CL)

Twenty-three intermediate grade students (seven with learning difficulties) completed a concept mapping and vocabulary quiz, with instructions highlighting the value of learning goals or performance goals. Children with varying learning histories mediated in-school learning with qualitatively distinct epistemologies, and the "learning goals" task…

This paper discusses arguments for the social nature of knowledge construction, the balancing influence of individual knowledge construction, conceptualization of the relative roles of individual and social dynamics in children's learning, important principles of effective instruction, and implications for designing educational programs for…

This introductory article presents the three tenets undergirding the selection of papers in this issue on a sociocultural perspective for literacy research in children with learning difficulties. The three tenets include learning as a cultural phenomenon; learning as arising in contextualized, holistic, and meaningful activity; and the social…

Questions of "quality" in the use of technology with children with learning disabilities are discussed, focusing on the need for basic pedagogical considerations; the impact of the computer on the learning process relative to factors of learner control, motivation, feedback type, graphics, and screen design; and use of computerized speech feedback…

The author suggests that computers help teachers consider what education should be for students with special needs but that the potential of computers will dissipate if the real question of what students are learning is not addressed. (CL)