Elizabeth M. Hughes

Research-Based Educational Practices for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

T EA C H IN G E xc ep ti on al C hi ld re n , V ol . 47 , N o. 2 , pp . 94 –1 02 . C op yr ig ht 2 01 4 T he A ut ho r( s) . D O I: 1 0. 11 77 /0 04 00 59 91 45 53 20 7 Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has become the fastest growing disability in the United States, with current prevalence rates estimated at as many as 1 in 150 children. This increase in the number of students identified with ASD has significant implications for public schools. The most popular researchbased educational practices for teaching this population, explored in the pages that follow, include applied behavior analysis (ABA); the Developmental, Individual-Difference, Relationship-Based method (DIR/Floortime), the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS); social stories, and (e) Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH).

The Scientific Status of Learning Styles Theories

Theories of learning styles suggest that individuals think and learn best in different ways. These are not differences of ability but rather preferences for processing certain types of information or for processing information in certain types of way. If accurate, learning styles theories could have important implications for instruction because student achievement would be a product of the interaction of instruction and the student’s style. There is reason to think that people view learning styles theories as broadly accurate, but, in fact, scientific support for these theories is lacking. We suggest that educators’ time and energy are better spent on other theories that might aid instruction.

The Language of Mathematics: The Importance of Teaching and Learning Mathematical Vocabulary

Vocabulary understanding is a major contributor to overall comprehension in many content areas, including mathematics. Effective methods for teaching vocabulary in all content areas are diverse and long standing. Teaching and learning the language of mathematics is vital for the development of mathematical proficiency. Students’ mathematical vocabulary learning is a very important part of their language development and ultimately mathematical proficiency. This article draws on current research-based evidence to (a) provide a rationale for teaching vocabulary, (b) offer a review of research that supports the importance of teaching mathematics vocabulary, and (c) describe specific strategies for teaching mathematics vocabulary. It also addresses implications and the need for future research.

Video-Based Intervention in Teaching Fraction Problem-Solving to Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a point-of-view video modeling intervention to teach mathematics problem-solving when working on word problems involving subtracting mixed fractions with uncommon denominators. Using a multiple-probe across students design of single-case methodology, three high school students with ASD completed the study. All three students demonstrated greater accuracy in solving fraction word problems and maintained accuracy levels at a 1-week follow-up.

The Use of Assistive Technology to Improve Time Management Skills of a Young Adult with an Intellectual Disability.

A growing literature base suggests the need for positive interventions to help individuals with intellectual disabilities improve their time management skills. Time management is a crucial area that must be addressed in the effort to equip adults with the skills necessary to achieve independence, success in employment, and improved quality of life. Lack of effective time management skills may hinder an individuals ability to gain and maintain successful employment and to live independently. When the primary issue is time management, assistive technology (AT) may provide a simple and cost-effective intervention. The purpose of this study was to examine the use of a vibrating watch to affect the time management skills of a young adult female with an intellectual disability. Results indicate that the vibrating watch was an effective piece of AT that received a high satisfaction rating. Implications of these findings for current practice and the need for future research are discussed.

Medication Treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has become the most commonly diagnosed psychiatric disorder among school-age children. For more than half a century, physicians have prescribed medications to help manage behaviors such as hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention. Today, there is a growing consensus that ADHD is a biologically based disorder, and medication is now considered the first line treatment. This article discusses the therapeutic benefits and potential side effects of psychotropic medications commonly prescribed to youth with ADHD, academic and behavioral benefits associated with medication therapy, recommendations for monitoring medication efficacy, legal considerations, and the importance of establishing school medication policies.

Learning with Technology: Video Modeling with Concrete–Representational–Abstract Sequencing for Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of a video modeling intervention with concrete–representational–abstract instructional sequence in teaching mathematics concepts to students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A multiple baseline across skills design of single-case experimental methodology was used to determine the effectiveness of the intervention on the acquisition and maintenance of addition, subtraction, and number comparison skills for four elementary school students with ASD. Findings supported the effectiveness of the intervention in improving skill acquisition and maintenance at a 3-week follow-up. Implications for practice and future research are discussed.

Special education professional development needs in Zimbabwe

ABSTRACT Since 1980 when Zimbabwe obtained political independence, special education has not received the same priority as the entire education system. One of the manifestations of this discrepancy is the shortage of qualified special education teachers in the country. In order to address this trend and promote the development of special education, researchers have suggested the need for professional development in the area of special education. The purpose of this study was to identify the special education professional development needs of both special and general education in-service teachers in Zimbabwe. A semi-structured survey instrument, developed by the first and second authors, which included open- and closed-end questions was used in this study. The sample consisted of 204 schoolteachers drawn from two school districts of Zvishavane and Gwanda. The participating schoolteachers overwhelmingly expressed the need for more professional development in the area of special education. The schoolteachers also identified several topics that they considered to be important for professional development.

Developing preservice teachers’ self-efficacy and knowledge through online experiences with English language learners

ABSTRACT This quasi-experimental study explores changes in preservice teachers’ reported self-efficacy and knowledge of instructional strategies in supporting English language learners (ELLs) after participating in an electronic pen-pal project. Seventy-four preservice teachers (experimental = 35; control = 39) participated in this study. The intervention involved a semester-long online letter exchange between the experimental group and ELL pen-pal partners in public schools. The study addresses two questions: What are the effects of an E-Pal project on preservice content-area teachers’ (1) reported self-efficacy in supporting ELLs, and (2) knowledge about the nature of instructional supports for ELLs in mainstream classrooms? Questionnaire data were analyzed using several ANOVA tests. Overall, results suggested that the E-Pal project had a positive effect on the reported self-efficacy and knowledge of instructional support of preservice teachers who participated in the experiment compared to those who did not. These results suggest that incorporating technology in field experiences in teacher education programs is worth the investment.

Assessing the special education professional development needs of northern Malawian schoolteachers

This research examines special needs education professional development needs among both general and special education schoolteachers in northern Malawi. A semi-structured questionnaire with open and close-ended questions was used for the research. Quantitative and thematic analyses were conducted to determine the extent to which teachers believe that students with disabilities should be educated together with students without disabilities, the importance of professional development for teaching students with disabilities, prioritised professional development needs regarding special education knowledge, and self-identified needs for successful special education classrooms. Results indicate that teachers are generally in favour of inclusive practices and identify a high need for special education professional development. Participants identified training and resources to teach students with visual impairments or auditory impairments as a high priority. Participants noted a need for improved infrastructure, more educational materials, and recognition by the government for work in special education.