Twenty-three elementary and middle school students with learning disabilities were taught 14 difficult-to-memorize multiplication facts with a combination of mnemonic and traditional instruction. Results indicated that mnemonic training enhanced learning and these benefits were retained over time. (Author/DB)

Interactive Semantic Mapping is presented as an interactive instructional strategy developed from multiple theoretical bases to aid reading comprehension in students with learning disabilities. It involves students in predicting relationships among concepts and sharing knowledge to facilitate comprehension of text-related concepts. This article…

This study with 56 learning-disabled adolescents found that intensive generalization training specific to the development of complex mnemonic strategies was demonstrably more effective in recall at 1-day and 2-week intervals than a rehearsal condition. No added advantage was gained by adding attribution training to the mnemonic generalization…

Thirty studies that examined mathematics strategies for use with learning-disabled students are reviewed. The studies evaluated reinforcement and goal setting on seat work performance, specific strategies for computation and problem solving, mnemonic strategies, peer mediation, and computer-assisted instruction. Virtually all instructional…

This article examines the effects of intensive phonological-awareness (PA) instruction for kindergarten English learners. One intact kindergarten class was provided 300 minutes of intensive instruction in PA. Results indicate that students who received intervention made significant growth in word reading when compared to a cohort of kindergarten…

Based on a systematic search of literature published from 1988 to 1995, 20 math interventions for secondary students with learning disabilities were identified and analyzed. Effective methods include teacher-directed instruction, instructional design curriculum variables, three-term contingency trials, strategy instruction, self-monitoring…

This article presents a graduated word problem sequence in mathematics, beginning with simple words; progressing to phrases, sentences, and paragraphs; advancing to paragraph word problems with extraneous information; and finally having students create their own word problems. Results from 67 elementary students with learning disabilities support…

A study contrasted two instructional approaches for teaching decimals to 44 junior high school remedial students and students with learning disabilities. Findings indicate significant effects on conceptual tasks for students who were taught decimals with an emphasis on conceptual understanding; however, low-achieving students required considerable…

A study of 14 adolescents with learning disabilities and 7 low-achieving adolescents was conducted to evaluate a writing strategy designed to enhance the quality of compare-and-contrast essays. Results indicate the students improved substantially in the clarity of writing, appropriateness, and organization of ideas in their essays, but not in…

The use of constructivism in mathematics instruction for regular and special education students, including those with learning disabilities, is explored. Issues addressed include the explicit-to-implicit continuum of constructivism, perceptions of constructivism relating to teachers and students, the setting demands of a constructivistic learning…

Six male elementary school students with learning disabilities were taught multiplication facts using a computer software program with a five-second constant time delay procedure. Results indicated that the computer-assisted instructional program was effective. Learning generalized with varying degrees of success. (Author/JDD)

Nine students (ages 7 to 11) with math disabilities were effectively taught using an instructional sequence that moved from the concrete to the semiconcrete to the abstract. Subjects needed between three and seven lessons using manipulative devices and pictures before being able to do abstract-level problems. (Author/DB)

This tribute to Samuel Kirk, an early leader in the field of learning disabilities, focuses on two of his powerful ideas and their effect on the author's work and later research. The first idea is that effective teaching requires knowing the students well, and the second idea is that explicit instruction in skills and strategies based on known…

This article explains how to use constant time delay to teach multiplication facts to students who have learning disabilities. Specific techniques for using time delay on an individual or small group basis are outlined, a sample student data sheet is presented, and the role of reinforcement is addressed. (Author/JDD)

Computer application of Curriculum-Based Measurement is presented as a methodology capable of linking student performance and instructional decision making. A case study with a fifth grade learning-disabled student and mathematics illustrates how CBM with computerized feedback systems can be used to systematically implement effective teaching…