Remedial Instruction to Enhance Mathematical Ability of Dyscalculics

S. Praveen Kumar*, B. William Dharma Raja**
* Assistant Professor, Bethlahem College of Education, Karungal, Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, India.
** Assistant Professor (SS), Department of Education, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, India.
Periodicity:May - July'2012
DOI : https://doi.org/10.26634/jpsy.6.1.1880

Abstract

The ability to do arithmetic calculations is essential to school-based learning and skill development in an information rich society. Arithmetic is a basic academic skill that is needed for learning which includes the skills such as counting, calculating, reasoning etc. that are used for performing mathematical calculations. Unfortunately, many students in today’s schools do not perform well in mathematics. It is found that most of the children lack the ability to acquire arithmetic skills despite having average or even above average level of intelligence. Dyscalculia is the learning disorder in which pupils face severe difficulties in performing mathematical computations. It is essential for schoolchildren need to develop the mathematical abilities through the use of different learning strategies or techniques. The use of instructional media is an essential component of teaching-learning process which contributes to the efficiency as well as effectiveness of the teaching-learning process. Remedial instruction has a very important role to play as a differentiated instruction which employs different instructional techniques through the use of different instructional materials. The use of such techniques and materials in the classroom encourages active learning and meets the diverse needs of the learners. Certain research studies (Ota, 2008; Moomaw and Coup, 2008; Michaelson and Thomas, 2007; Lugo, 2005; Mohankumar & Rajaguru, 2001; Mishra, 1991; Nwaizu & Ifeanyi, 1991) reveal that the vast majority of problems experienced by mathematically disabled learners can be through appropriate, explicit and early instruction and intervention. The present investigation examined the effectiveness of remedial instruction in enhancing mathematical ability of dyscalculic children. The single group design was followed for conducting the study. The sample comprised of 46 dyscalculic students at the primary level. The tool used was a Mathematical Ability Test prepared by the investigators. ‘t’ test for dependent groups was employed for the analysis of data. The results of the study indicated that remedial instruction enhanced the mathematical ability of dyscalculic children.

Keywords

Arithmetic, Dyscalculia, Remedial Instruction.

How to Cite this Article?

S. Praveen Kumar and B. William Dharma Raja (2012). Remedial Instruction to Enhance Mathematical Ability Of Dyscalculics. i-manager’s Journal on Educational Psychology, 6(1), 21-28. https://doi.org/10.26634/jpsy.6.1.1880

References

[1]. Chadha, Anupriya. (2006). A Guide to Educating Children with Learning Disabilities. New Delhi: Vikas Publishers.
[2]. Dyscalculia – A learning disability in math reasoning and calculation. Retrieved November 29, 2008 from http://www.learningdisabilitiesabout.com/od/learningdis ability basics/p/Dyscalculia.html
[3]. Geetha, A. (2008). Learning Disabilities and Achievement in Mathematics. Edutracks, 6 (1), 8-9.
[4]. Kennard, Roy. (2001). Teaching Mathematically Able Children. London:Fulton Publications.
[5]. Kumar, S. Praveen. & Raja, B.W.D. (2008). Minimising Dyscalculic Problems Through Visual Learning. The Primary Teacher, 24(3, 4 & 1), 87-93.
[6]. Kumar, S. Praveen. & Raja, B.W.D. (2009). Enhancing the performance of Learning-disabled children by dint of Theatre Education. i-manager's Journal on School Educational Technology, 5(2), 8-14.
[7]. Learning disabilities An Overview. Retrieved January 16, 2009 from http://www.ldonline.org/article/Learning_ Disabilities%3A_An_Overview
[8]. Lugo, Alejandrio A. (2005). The effects of multimedia based instructional technology on Algebra I problem solving skills of ninth through grade students with learning disabilities, Dissertation Abstracts International, 65(9), 3278-A.
[9]. Mangal, S.K. (2007). Educating exceptional children: An introduction to Special Education. New Delhi: Prentice Hall of India.
[10]. Michaelson. & Thomas, M. (2007). An overview of dyscalculia : Methods for ascertaining and accommodating dyscalculic children in the classroom. Australian Mathematics Teacher, 63(3), 17-22. Retrieved March 18, 2009 from http://findarticles.com/ p/articles/mi_7030/is_3_63/ai_n28456186/
[11]. Mishra, R. (1991). Development of teaching steps for handling arithmetic disabled children. Fifth Survey of Educational Research, 2, 1285.
[12]. Mohankumar, A., & Rajaguru, S. (2001). Multimedia instructional strategy for learning disabled children. Indian Educational Abstracts, 2(2), 77.
[13]. Moomaw. & Coup, Sally. (2008). Measuring number sense in young children. Dissertation Abstracts International, 69(8), 565-A.
[14]. Nwaizu. & Ifeanyi, Pius Chukwumaeze. (1991). Using teacher-assisted instruction and computer-assisted instruction to teach multiplication skills to youths with specific learning disabilities. Dissertation Abstracts International, 51(9), 3041-A.
[15]. Nakra, Onita. (1996). Children and Learning Difficulties. New Delhi: Allied Publishers.
[16]. Ota, M. (2008). Responsiveness of elementary-aged students with and without specific learning disabilities to interventions for mathematics calculation. Dissertation Abstracts International, 69(10), 3859-A.
[17]. Raja, B.W.D. & Kumar, S. Praveen. (2011). Special Education: Focus on Mathematics Learning Disability. New Delhi: APH Publishers.
[18]. Saravanbhavan, Sheila. (2009). What we need to know about Learning Disabilities?. Research and Reflections on Education, 7 (1), 5-6.
[19]. Teachers key to remove fear of Maths. (2008, December 1). The New Indian Express, p.6. What are Remediation Activities? Retrieved June 6, 2012 from http://www.ehow.com/info_8065079_remediationactivities. html
If you have access to this article please login to view the article or kindly login to purchase the article

Purchase Instant Access

Single Article

North Americas,UK,
Middle East,Europe
India Rest of world
USD EUR INR USD-ROW
Online 15 15

Options for accessing this content:
  • If you would like institutional access to this content, please recommend the title to your librarian.
    Library Recommendation Form
  • If you already have i-manager's user account: Login above and proceed to purchase the article.
  • New Users: Please register, then proceed to purchase the article.