ERIC Number: EJ947712
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011-Nov
Pages: 16
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0938-8982
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: N/A
Science Instruction for Students with Learning Disabilities: A Meta-Analysis
Therrien, William J.; Taylor, Jonte C.; Hosp, John L.; Kaldenberg, Erica R.; Gorsh, Jay
Learning Disabilities Research & Practice, v26 n4 p188-203 Nov 2011
Although science has received much attention as a political and educational initiative, students with learning disabilities (LD) perform significantly lower than their nondisabled peers. This meta-analysis evaluates the effectiveness of instructional strategies in science for students with LD. Twelve studies were examined, summarized, and grouped according to the type of strategy implemented. Effect sizes ("ES") were calculated for each study. Across all studies, a mean "ES" of 0.78 was obtained, indicating a moderate positive effect on students with LD science achievement. Findings also align with past reviews of inquiry-based instruction for students with special needs, indicating that students with LD need structure within an inquiry science approach in order to be successful. Additionally, results suggest that mnemonic instruction is highly effective at increasing learning disabled students' acquisition and retention of science facts.
Descriptors: Educational Strategies, Learning Disabilities, Science Achievement, Effect Size, Mnemonics, Science Instruction, Special Needs Students, Teaching Methods, Meta Analysis, Instructional Effectiveness, Inquiry, Student Needs
Wiley-Blackwell. 350 Main Street, Malden, MA 02148. Tel: 800-835-6770; Tel: 781-388-8598; Fax: 781-388-8232; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: http://www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/
Publication Type: Information Analyses; Journal Articles; Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
IES Funded: Yes
Grant or Contract Numbers: R305A090094
Author Affiliations: N/A

Peer reviewed
Direct link
