Examines major characteristics of learning disabilities and the significance of Montessori principles as they may be applied in the education of children with learning disabilities. Addresses disorders of gross and fine motor coordination, language, attention, and perception. Describes exercises in practical life skills, sensory education, and…

A study of 104 students (ages 16 to 22) with mental retardation (n=32), learning disabilities (n=34), or no disabilities (n=38) examined variables that contribute to perceptions of self-determination and increased student motivation. The students with disabilities were found to have more of an external locus of control orientation. (CR)

This study examined the performance of 96 youth hospitalized in a psychiatric hospital on a battery of language measures. Participants with both attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and language learning disabilities (LLD) performed similarly to those with only LLD but significantly more poorly than those with only ADHD or with neither…

Investigated relationships between career maturity and Holland's (1985a) constructs of congruence, consistency, and differentiation among individuals with (N=76) and without learning disabilities (N=106). Also examined the relationship between Holland's Investigative personality type and career maturity in individuals with and without learning…

Mathematics performance in 32 children with spina bifida was investigated at 3.8 through 8.8 years and two years later. About half showed mathematics difficulties. At the time of the second data collection, 28% of the subjects were identified with mathematics and other learning disabilities and with language impairments. Visual perception…

Discusses the effects of different motivational orientations on students with learning disabilities and the variables affecting intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Instructional recommendations are made for enhancing academic intrinsic motivation, including involving students in the learning process, responding positively and praising students,…

Elementary students (n=152) with either learning disabilities (LD), low achievement (LA), or mild mental retardation (MMR) were contrasted on 41 measures of school-related factors. LD students scored higher on cognitive ability whereas the LA group showed higher academic achievement. No differences were found on measures of social skills, problem…

Four boys and 4 girls (ages 13-17) with learning disabilities were interviewed upon completion of psychodynamic group therapy to obtain their perspectives of the group. Results indicate that the participants regarded the therapy as beneficial. The phenomenon of "mutual recognition" led to enhanced self-esteem and ability to relate to peers. (CR)

Describes a project that explored the use of Web sites with adults with learning disabilities. Highlights include advantages and weaknesses of Web-based learning for adults with learning disabilities; creating multimedia work related to the Web sites; motivating effects; and Web site access difficulties for people with low literacy levels.…

Argues that Ben Spiecker and Jan Steutel's use of the term mental retard is offensive and using either the United Kingdom terminology of learning disabled or the internationally accepted term intellectually disabled are more acceptable. Addresses rights of the learning disabled to sexual freedom. Considers implications of these issues for moral…

The constructivist educational theory of instructional scaffolding, where a teacher provides support to students on an as-needed basis and decreases support as the student's competence grows, is evaluated. Scaffolding is seen as being only one part of effective instruction for students with learning or other disabilities. Limitations to the…

Discusses the use of a sociocultural perspective on learning and learning disabilities for understanding learning problems within culturally diverse groups. Reviews assumptions about ethnicity and culture (supposed homogeneity within cultures) and describes ways to distinguish ethnicity and culture. Discusses implications for assessment,…

Describes the first-year implementation of an inclusive education model for students with learning disabilities in an urban elementary school in which the student population is primarily African American and poor. Presents the program's activities and constraints along with case studies discussing the outcomes of two children. (Author/CR)

Twenty-two children with mild mental retardation, 27 children with learning disabilities, and 49 nondisabled peers (ages 4-5) were presented with a battery of eight cognitive tasks being considered for inclusion in a new screening test. Results found the components measured different cognitive tasks and led to accurate individual classification…

This study of 40 children with learning disabilities or mild cognitive delays and 66 children without disabilities (grades 4-6) examined social networks, social supports, friendships, and adjustment. Results indicated that, compared to nondisabled children, the children with learning problems turned to their family less for problem-solving support…