The study compared two methods of teaching an initial place value skill: a concrete, semiconcrete, abstract teaching sequence and an abstract-only presentation. Learning-disabled elementary and middle school students (N=24) using the concrete to abstract teaching sequence performed significantly better on three posttests than students taught the…

An individual instruction intervention with 13 high school students with learning disabilities improved: (1) metacognitive knowledge related to generating or adapting task-specific strategies, (2) ability to generate problem-solving strategies for novel problems, and (3) students' regular classroom grades. (DB)

Eleven tests of reading comprehension, language skills, and cognitive processes were administered to 20 high school readers with learning disabilities and 20 controls. The variance on nonverbal tests was greater for the group with LD than for the controls; some individuals with learning disabilities performed as well as the controls. (Author/DB)

In response to Coles (EC 220 146) the author outlines points of agreement and identifies points of divergence including Coles' confusion of ordinary poor reading with true dyslexia, the role of phonological processes, and philosophy of science issues concerning Coles' alternative interactivity theory. (DB)

Cooperative learning arrangements for students with learning disabilities are discussed. Cooperative learning appears to be as effective as teacher-led instruction because it replicates natural learning contexts, enhances self-efficacy, provides level-appropriate information processing models, and addresses the specific needs of such students.…

This article describes instructional procedures for helping students with learning disabilities become more effective mnemonic keyword strategy users. The procedures involve providing a rationale, providing explicit strategy-attribution instruction, modeling strategy use with think-alouds, providing verbal practice, providing guided practice with…

This study evaluated the effects of presenting mnemonic devices in conjunction with content information on 41 junior high students' recall performance. Results showed that students with and without learning disabilities within the experimental group recalled significantly more of the reviewed information than did control students. (Author/JDD)

Teaching writing as a process is advocated to enhance a student's metacognitive skills and understanding of writing. The process can be used with students who have mild disabilities. Prewriting techniques such as clustering and color coding are explained, along with three teacher options for prewriting instruction to address class and student…

An assistant superintendent describes his experience teaching Jay, an intelligent, learning-disabled 47-year-old forestry technician to read and write beyond the third grade level. Like young readers, adults must convince themselves they are capable of progress before any can be made. Jay now reads at sixth grade level and is still progressing.…

This paper describes research (involving six postsecondary students with learning disabilities) that reflects the effectiveness of Strategic Content Learning as an instructional model for supporting students to generate individualized strategic approaches to cognitive activities. The model's effectiveness is attributed to students' task analysis…

An understanding of the role played by specific centers of the brain will help special education instructors develop appropriate individualized instructional programs for the learning disabled. Neurobiological learning makes it clear that teaching the learning disabled should be based on the principles of learning strategies instruction,…

This study investigated taxonomic clustering and use of frequency associations as features in the semantic memory of children (n=30 in grades two and six) with learning disabilities (LD). Results suggested that, when individual child-generated word lists (i.e., meaningful) are used, children with LD may not be impaired in their ability to utilize…

This study used a seven-stage instructional methodology to successfully teach a comprehensive test-taking strategy to six secondary learning-disabled students. Evidence of maintenance and generalization is reported. In the second article, answers are presented to questions about strategy training in general and this study in particular. (Author/DB)

Superimposes findings of research in learning disabilities on Piagetian stages of cognitive development. Results suggest that during sensorimotor stage, diagnosis of learning disabilities is difficult. Findings suggest delay exists in cognitive development of learning-disabled children during elementary school years, which corresponds to…

Investigates the use of the SQ3R (Survey, Question, Read, Recite, Review) study technique using nine secondary level students with specific learning disabilities. Finds that results of three experiments indicated that, even with direct teacher instruction throughout lessons, SQ3R did not produce a robust effect on literal comprehension. (MG)