Arguments supporting the conceptual validity of learning disabilities are presented against the background of current definitional problems. The need to differentiate between classification and identification and the importance of a shared attribute definition are stressed. It is argued that a taxonomy of learning disabilities and related…

The literature on metacognition and students having learning problems is reviewed. Investigations of metacognitive instruction to enhance memory skills, to increase text comprehension, and to improve written expression and math performance are reported. The roles of the teacher and learner in acquiring and controlling the targeted cognitive…

A constant time delay procedure was used to improve spelling of an 11-year-old learning disabled child. The near errorless instructional method provided a time delay between a controlling stimulus (prompt) and a new stimulus (target response). The five-second constant delay procedure resulted in acquisition, maintenance, and generalization of 15…

Test-taking skills should be part of learning-disabled students' instruction. Student performance on previous tests should be analyzed to determine lack of information, carelessness, misinterpretation, material not studied, or incorrect reading. Notetaking techniques, language problems, and special problems presented by essay tests and math tests…

The article presents four guidelines for developing favorable classroom language learning environments for learning disabled students including a physical setting which promotes talk; opportunities to interact and use language; opportunities to use language for a variety of purposes and audience; and a responsive teacher who encourages continued…

Four different methods of study were presented to fifty-six learning disabled students, who were to learn characteristics of North American minerals. Methods were: (1) direct instruction; (2) mnemonic instruction; (3) reduced-list direct-instruction; and (4) free-study. Results supported findings that learning was superior in the mnemonic…

A study involving 36 (10-12 years) learning disabled (LD) students with reading problems and 36 regular class students matched with LD subjects for reading age demonstrated the benefit of training LD students to use metacognitive activities in reading comprehension. (Author/CL)

A pack of 23 number games was devised for use by all primary grade children, regardless of physical or sensory disability. The games use all or part of a pack of 100 cards. Some experiences with the games are presented, as well as some illustrations of the games. (MNS)

Current literature on identification and instructional remediation of subtypes of learning-disabled readers (LDR) are reviewed. Preliminary findings suggest that not all LDR children manifest the same oral language, memory, and perceptual deficits that impede decoding accuracy and efficiency and all do not respond equally well (or poorly) to the…

Currently, it is required that 2% of total Adult Basic Education (ABE) funding in Minnesota be set aside to provide statewide supplemental services such as staff development, technological development, support for disabled learners, support for communities of color, distance learning, and other innovative projects. Non-profit organizations or…

The population of most Minnesota communities has dramatically changed over the past ten years. The Minnesota State Demographic Center reports the Twin Cities area has the largest Hmong, Somali, and Liberian communities in the United States. In some communities where both jobs and affordable housing are available, the percentage of English as a…

Practical and accessible, this book provides the first step-by-step guide to cognitive strategy instruction, which has been shown to be one of the most effective instructional techniques for students with learning problems. Presented are proven strategies that students can use to improve their self-regulated learning, study skills, and performance…

A study investigated what reading and study strategies students with identified reading-related learning disabilities employ at the post-secondary setting and how the use of strategies differ for students who succeed in particular courses versus those who do not do as well. Nine students with reading-related learning disabilities participated in…

Intended for pediatricians, the article considers aspects of diagnosis and treatment of learning problems including definitions and documentation, the examination, developmental lag, intelligence and psychometry, reversals, serial ordering, cognitive processes in reading, and hyperactivity. (DB)

By establishing a learning resources center'' for children with special education problems, Bellwood Avenue School in Linwood, New Jersey, has begun the slow process of bringing these youngsters back into society, teaching them to operate and deal with a society that helped to create their problems. The attempt is to substantiate the notion that…