This study examined whether and, if so, how word-problem features differentially affect problem difficulty as a function of mathematics difficulty (MD) status: no MD (n = 109), MD only (n = 109), or MD in combination with reading difficulties (MDRD; n = 109). The problem features were problem type (total, difference, or change) and position of…

Computer logic is advised for teaching learning disabled children because the computer reduces complicated problems to series of subproblems, then combines solutions of subproblems to solve the initial problem. Seven examples for using the technique are given, including solving verbal math problems. Encourages teachers to learn computer…

This study assessed responsiveness to a 16-week mathematical problem-solving treatment as a function of students' risk for disability. Among 301 third graders, "TerraNova" scores were used to categorize students as at risk for both reading and mathematics disability (MDR/RDR; 20 control and 12 experimental), at risk for mathematics…

Field review of four problem-solving software programs (Memory Castle, The Pond, King's Rule, and Puzzle Tanks) are reported. Although the software was generally successful in completing its objectives, some recommendations are made for better adapting them to the needs of learning disabled students. (CL)

Two studies compared strengths and deficiencies in the problem solving abilities of about 80 learning disabled and 110 nondisabled fifth and sixth graders using a microcomputer as an assessment tool. No significant differences in performance on problem solving tasks were found. The microcomputer is postulated as possibly responsible for this…

An individual instruction intervention with 13 high school students with learning disabilities improved: (1) metacognitive knowledge related to generating or adapting task-specific strategies, (2) ability to generate problem-solving strategies for novel problems, and (3) students' regular classroom grades. (DB)

"QuickSmart" is a basic academic skills intervention designed for persistently low-achieving students in the middle years of schooling that aims to improve the automaticity of basic skills to improve higher-order processes, such as problem solving and comprehension, as measured on standardized tests. The "QuickSmart" instructional program consists…

Results of this evaluation study did not find that attribution retraining (embedded within a mathematics computer-assisted instructional program) had a significant impact on the attributions of 29 students with learning disabilities. However, students in the attribution retraining condition did complete more program levels and scored higher on…