Multiple external representations (MERs) are useful for teaching complex content in science education. An open question is whether there is an especially effective way to sequence MERs. On the one hand, the so-called concreteness fading approach suggests starting instruction with more concrete representations and proceeding stepwise to more…

One way to reduce the cognitive load students feel during instruction is to change the way content is delivered. This can be achieved by optimising the instructional sequence and providing sufficient instructional support during problem-solving. However, the literature is unclear regarding whether an inductive or a deductive instructional sequence…

In the context of a professional learning research project we investigated the nature of support offered to classroom teachers and school mathematics leaders to facilitate teachers' implementation of sequences of challenging tasks. End of year questionnaire data were collected from 70 Foundation to Year 2 teachers and ten numeracy leaders who…

We investigated whether the temporal contiguity effect, which holds that information sources, such as visual information and narration need to be temporally coordinated for learning to be effective, can also be found in narrated slideshows. A concurrent presentation-key point format (CPK), in which visual information sequentially appeared as key…

Fractions are an important mathematical concept for elementary students. However, students with mathematics learning disabilities (MLD) struggle with learning fractions. Research has demonstrated that concrete-representational-abstract (CRA) instruction is an effective practice for students with learning and developmental disabilities. Here we…

This paper outlines the rationale for, and some elements of, a particular approach to teaching and learning mathematics in the early years. The researchers worked with two school systems to offer both centrally delivered and school-based teacher professional learning, which included the application of illustrative teaching resources. The project…

The development of conceptual multiplication knowledge will assist students in making progress within current mathematics standards. Previous research has shown the concrete-representational-abstract (CRA) sequence to be successful in teaching multiplication with regrouping with an emphasis on conceptual understanding while developing fluency and…

Science content remains a commonly overlooked academic content area for students with severe disabilities, including ASD and ID, despite recent research. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of systematic instruction, such as prompting and fading techniques, implemented during whole-group science instruction for students with both…

This paper presents the second phase of a larger research program with the purpose of exploring the possible consequences of a gap between what is done in the classroom regarding mathematical word problem solving and what research shows to be effective in this particular field of study. Data from the first phase of our study on teachers'…

Algebra problem solving is one of the most difficult areas in the mathematics curriculum for secondary students with learning disabilities (LD) due to the higher-order reasoning demands and strategic thinking required. The purpose of this review is to examine how effective algebra problem-solving interventions conceptualize the cognitive processes…

Learning from digital media is one of the notable learning environments used outside of school. The effect of using digital technology in education is well known today, as where such tools are used appropriately in lessons, they can make an effective contribution to the teaching and learning of abstract science subjects such as astronomy. The…

Algebra is the foundational mathematics course that students take as they begin their high school career and is often difficult for the average learner. In order for students with disabilities and those with mathematics difficulties to meet the high expectations of future mathematical courses, providing quality instruction by implementing…

Understanding related to fraction concepts is a critical prerequisite for advanced study in mathematics such as algebra. Therefore, it is important that elementary students form conceptual and procedural understanding of fractional numbers, allowing for advancement in mathematics. The concrete-representational-abstract (CRA) instructional sequence…

Introduction: This article demonstrates the effectiveness of the use of routine-based instruction for teaching sensorimotor-stage object-perception skills to students who have visual impairments (i.e., blindness or low vision) and severe intellectual disabilities. Method: Classroom teachers documented progress toward achievement of object…

Current educational discourse holds that effective pedagogy requires engagement through active student participation with subject matter relating to them. The lack of testing of lessons in series is recognized as a potential weakness in the evidence base, not least because standard parallel designs cannot capture serial interaction effects (cf.…