Performance of mentally retarded children on a hierarchically sequenced introductory mathematics curriculum∗

Sixteen severely and moderately retarded children were given diagnostic tests to assess their understanding of number concepts. One group of eight children (experimental) were then given training on a hierarchically sequenced introductory mathematics curriculum and the other group of eight children (control) were given training on the same objectives but through traditional techniques. Results at the end of 12 months showed that the experimental group mastered an average of 32 objectives while the control group averaged 15.5 These results suggest that hierarchically sequenced mathematics curriculum may provide an effective approach to the teaching of number concepts to the severely and moderately retarded.

     

Correlates of the concept assessment kit-conservation for educable mentally retarded children

The relations of the CAK-C to the Stanford-Binet and the WRAT were explored for a sample of 155 educable mentally retarded children. Correlational analyses indicated that: (a) The CAK-C is more closely related to MA than to either CA or IQ. (b) Both Reading and Arithmetic are more closely related to MA than to the CAK-C. The results support the position that Piagetian intelligence is somewhat distinct from psychometric intelligence, but suggest that the latter is the better predictor of academic achievement.     

Reliability of the concept assessment kit-conservation for educable mentally retarded children

Internal consistency, alternate form, and stability coefficients for the CAK-C were obtained for a sample of 135 educable mentally retarded children. The internal consistency and alternate form coefficients appear to be acceptably high, and the stability coefficients, while appreciably lower, still suggest some degree of consistency over a year's time. The reliability of the CAK-C is judged to be satisfactory for EMR children.     

Item analyses of the concept assessment kit-conservation for educable mentally retarded children

A series of item analyses of the CAK-C was conducted for a sample of 155 educable mentally retarded children. The probability of a correct response was found to differ from task to task, and there was evidence that the order of difficulty of the tasks for this sample resembled that for nonretarded children. The probabilities of the two incorrect responses were generally not equal, and the choice of one or the other incorrect response showed some relation to CA, MA, and IQ, particularly the last two variables.     

Living in space: A preschool aerospace curriculum

Outer space is a topic that is relevant to our future, promotes a universal sense of wonder and reinforces the idea that we all share one planet. Early childhood teachers, parents, grandparents and children all find the subject of outer space exploration fascinating. Space exploration weaves together all aspects of our experience and generates an enthusiasm to learn more. Space adventure also creates a new hero system for our children. Achievements and success are based on knowledge, skill and dedication to a common cause: the betterment of life for all people.     

Learning subtraction in a special school: A self-in-structional training strategy for educable mentally retarded children with arithmetic deficits

The effect of self-instruction in solving subtraction problems was investigated in four children with arithmetic deficits in a special school for educable mentally retarded children. The children were trained individually to use self-instruction in solving subtraction problems with renaming. At the end of the training all four children had improved in solving subtraction problems. Follow-up probes, taken three months after the training had ended, showed that the effect was maintained.     

A CAI program for instructing text analysis and modelling of word problems to educable mentally retarded children

Educable mentally retarded children prove to be poor mathematic word-problem solvers. This study is aimed at improving the poor word-problem solving ability of these children. In doing so, a computerised training programme was developed in which instruction focused on the construction of adequate problem representations. This was accomplished by both instructing the children to analyse the problem text thoroughly and by having them represent the problem situation described. The efficacy of this training procedure was demonstrated in a multiple-baseline design across five subjects after some data were removed (p < 0.05). It was assumed that the complexity of the training procedure and shortcomings in the feed back mechanism used obscured the overview of the problem-solving strategy. Suggestions are offered concerning the revision of this training procedure.     

皮亚杰认知发展理论对智力障碍儿童早期教育的启示

皮亚杰所提出的认知发展理论,将心理学与认识论相结合,在认知、同化、顺应、平衡的阶段中学习知识、发展智力,强调个体的主体性和环境互动的重要性,为智力障碍儿童早期教育的发展提供一定的理论基础和实践意义。     

A survey of school psychologists' practices for identifying mentally retarded students

Surveys containing questions about identifying mentally retarded students were mailed to 500 randomly selected school psychologists, of whom 160 (32%) returned completed, usable forms. The Wechsler scales were the most frequently used tests for deriving IQ scores, which together with adaptive behavior scale scores were rated as most influential in identification-placement decisions. The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales were rated as the most used instruments for assessing adaptive delays. School psychologists were in less accord on issues such as the use of alternative norms for minority and lower SES students (35% confirmed their use), the application of an adaptive behavior standard score of 70 (47.7% indicated such use), and whether an established IQ score, such as 70, could be treated flexibly (27.2% stated they sometimes identified students with scores above the cut-off value). Suggestions are made for future research and current practice.     

Using humour in counselling mentally retarded clients: A preliminary study

The effects of using two types of humour in counselling sessions with mentally retarded clients were examined. Eleven male and eleven female mildly handicapped participants rated the helpfulness of a male counsellor following in vivo counselling sessions where no humour (NH), facilitative humour (FH), and non-facilitative humour (NFH) were used. Results indicated that overall participants' ratings were significantly higher under the FH condition than when either NH or NFH were used. No overall effects were found for gender type, but analysis of intra-individual rating patterns indicated that ratings varied considerably among both male and female participants.     

Consumer preferences for psychological report contents in a residential school and center for the mentally retarded

The staff of a short-term residential facility serving mentally retarded clients was surveyed regarding the “consumer” value of various content areas of psychological reports. The results indicate that the recommendations and social competency information are perceived to be the most important sections of the report, while projective test personality interpretation and IQ test results are considered to have the least value. The possible reasons for this are discussed in terms of the habilitative role of the newer, community-based institutions.