Author(s)

Lisa Graham

Date Approved

9-10-2014

Embargo Period

3-3-2020

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

M.A. Special Education

Department

Special Educational Services/Instruction

College

College of Education

Advisor

Lee, Jiyeon

Subject(s)

Algebra--Study and teaching; Learning disabilities

Disciplines

Special Education and Teaching

Abstract

It is clear that students with Learning Disabilities (LD) struggle with complex mathematical problems, particularly in learning algebra. Technology may provide a new way for math instruction, as well as use of a concrete instructional method such as a mnemonic device. Difficulty solving word problems in algebra can be attributed to a variety of deficits, thus it becomes difficult to choose an instructional method that will provide positive results for these students. To date, research on adolescent students in this area is limited. The present study was designed to examine the impact of a combination of two different approaches by using a mnemonic device and SMART board presentations to teach algebraic word problem solving skills to high school students with LD. It attempted to investigate whether these approaches would improve the performance of 2 groups of secondary students with LD in learning math skills. All 6 students involved in the study improved their individual performance,-and both groups as a whole achieved 100% mastery during the last two weeks of the investigation.

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