Susan Peterson Miller

Educational Aspects of Mathematics Disabilities

Research suggests that students with learning disabilities have significant difficulty acquiring and retaining math skills. A variety of factors seem to be contributing to the poor math performance of these individuals. The purpose of this article is to discuss these factors and make recommendations that will enhance the likelihood of better math performance. The article begins with a discussion of national reform movements that have influenced math instruction (i.e., National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Standards, minimum competency testing, graduation requirements, inclusion). Next, learner characteristics are reviewed, then issues related to math instruction are described. Finally, ways to improve current practices in math education are discussed.

Using Hypermedia to Improve the Mathematics Problem-Solving Skills of Students with Learning Disabilities

This article discusses current knowledge about teaching problem solving to students with learning disabilities (LD), using computers for teaching math to students with LD, and using computers for teaching problem solving to students with learning problems. Building upon identified effective learning strategies, direct instruction procedures, and principles of effective instructional design, the case is presented for the use of hypermedia in helping students with learning disabilities to improve their mathematics problem-solving abilities. Specific ideas and suggestions for applying hypermedia to cognitive strategy instruction and the graduated word problem sequence are given. Several cautions regarding hypermedia use are presented.

The Effects of Teacher Facilitation on the Social Interactions of Young Children During Computer Activities

This group study investigated the impact of teacher facilitation on the social interactions of young children during computer activities. The study compared 18 dyads comprised of children with and without disabilities who received teacher facilitation during computer activities to a group of children who did not receive teacher facilitation. The sessions were videotaped for the purpose of analyzing the social interactions and behaviors of the children. Pre-and postmeasures of the childrens social skills with the Teacher Impression Scales and systematic observations of their social interactions using the Social Interaction Observation System were analyzed. Results indicated that children in the study exhibited few negative social interactions regardless of their age, disability status, or intervention group assignment. The children with and without disabilities in the teacher-facilitated computer group had more positive social interactions and demonstrated more effective social behaviors than the children in the computer-only group. This study shows that children with and without disabilities benefit from social skill instruction, and practitioners may use a structured computer activity as an alternative to free play for promoting social interactions among children.

Comparing Web-based to Traditional Instruction for Teaching Special Education Content

Web-based instruction (WBI), including both online courses and online degree programs, offer flexibility to students and instructors and are now typical in higher education programs. Researchers compared WBI to traditional instruction for teaching undergraduate students about students with disabilities. Forty-four students participated in this study. Half were enrolled in the Web-based section of the course; half were enrolled in the traditional section. Researchers measured students achievement and opinions. For pretest and posttest scores, significant differences were found within groups; no significant differences were found between groups. Results indicated that the two groups of students began the course with similar knowledge and completed the course with similar knowledge gains. No significant differences in opinions were found between the two groups. Findings indicated that WBI is effective for disseminating special education course content to preservice teachers.

Delivering Instruction via Interactive Television and Videotape: Student Achievement and Satisfaction

Distance education in the form of Interactive Television (ITV) and videotape currently is being discussed as a method to provide instruction to students enrolled in education courses. In this study, the effect of traditional, ITV, and videotape lectures on student achievement and attendance was investigated. Student satisfaction with the course and student evaluations of the instructor were also analyzed. Sixty-seven preservice special education students were randomly assigned to one of three instructional methods. One group received instruction with the instructor present, one group received instruction via ITV and the third group received instruction by means of a videotape lecture. Results indicated that (a) students achieved equally well on quizzes and tests regardless of the instructional method, (b) students who received instruction in the traditional setting were satisfied with the instruction they received, (c) students who received instruction via ITV were satisfied with the instruction they received, (d) students who received instruction by means of videotape were not satisfied with the instruction they received, (e) students attended class regularly regardless of the instructional method, and (f) students who received instruction via ITV and videotape did not perceive the instructor as taking an active role in the course.

Math Failure and Learning Disabilities in the Postsecondary Student Population.

Many students with learning disabilities have specific difficulties meeting the mathematics demands in postsecondary educational settings. Several factors contribute to these difficulties. Included among these are: (1) characteristics of learning disabilities in math, (2) inadequate preparation for

Exploring the Efficacy of Online Strategy Instruction for Improving the Reading Abilities of Students with Learning Disabilities.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of using online modules to teach The Word Identification Strategy (Lenz, Schumaker, Deshler, & Beals, 2007) to elementary and middle school students with learning disabilities in reading. The five participants in this multiple probe across participants study were enrolled in an online charter school and received their instruction via the schools Internet-based platform. Baseline, intervention, and maintenance data revealed that all five participants improved in the area of oral reading. Additional standardized and curriculum-based pre- and posttest measures revealed improvements related to oral reading, comprehension, and use of the strategy. Implications for teaching The Word Identification Strategy within an online context are discussed and recommendations for future research in this area are provided.

School Problems and Other Factors in Childhood Headache Syndromes

School-age children with headache disorders require the interdisciplinary attention of both educators and physicians. When school problems accompany other significant headache factors, a simple prescription is not an effective treatment. This article examines ten headache factors pertinent to a school-age population. Emphasis is placed on school problems and the need for professional collaboration on a disorder with both academic and medical manifestations.