Meta-Analysis Assignment
Meta-Analysis on Math Interventions Assignment
School of Education, Liberty University
EDLC 530: Teaching Mathematics
Meta-Analysis Assignment
Mathematics Instruction for Students with Learning Disabilities – A Meta-
Analysis of Instructional Components
The meta-analysis by Gersten et al. (2009) investigates how effective different
instructional methods are helpful and the outcome of improving students with
learning disabilities in a special education setting. The analysis focuses on 42
different instructional interventions and how they can help improve the
mathematical understanding of our students with disabilities and those without
disabilities as well. The meta-analysis used three different criteria to measure
inclusion; focus of the study, design of the study, and the participants in the study.
For the focus, computerassisted instruction was sought to be the appropriate focus
for the meta-analysis in technology.
The design focus on providing pretest data so effect sizes could be properly
measured, and posttest scores not being altered or affected. The participant of the
study included students with identified learning disabilities as well as including
studies of kids without an identified learning disability as long as separate outcome
data not effecting the data of students with learning disabilities. They use six
instructional components to measure the study. The study focuses on explicit
instruction, which is just characterized as the different instructional approaches used,
the use of heuristics, which is the strategy that is used to solve a generic problem,
student verbalization of their mathematical reasoning which is seen through peer
talks, the use of visual representations when solving problems which is beneficial
when learning a mathematic skill regardless of a student having a learning disability.
Meta-Analysis Assignment
The last two were range and sequence of examples and other instructional and
curricular variables.
Meta-Analysis
The findings of the meta-analysis showed that the structured approach of
using visuals and well-structured examples play a great role in helping students with
learning disabilities help build mathematical understanding. The students benefitted
greatly off using concrete to representational to abstract (CRA) models by starting
with physical manipulatives and gradually removing assistance as they grasp or
understand the material. This was one instructional practice that helps our students
gather the understanding of mathematical concepts.
Another effective instructional method includes the heuristic instruction which
focuses on students using their problem-solving skills such as drawing visuals or
working backwards rather than being given the direct answer.
Another method that worked according to the analysis were feedback loops
which allows the teachers and students to delve into the mathematical concept at a
deeper level and allowing the students at times to hear how their peers came up with
the answer rather than hearing it from the teacher.
With these new ideas, students are allowed more opportunity to understand
and learn new mathematical concepts which can improve their comfort in
mathematics.
Meta-Analysis Assignment
Application
When learning of the results of the meta-analysis, the findings have gave me
substantial insight on how to improve my preparation as a teacher and give me a
more detailed instruction to help my students further their understanding of the
mathematical curriculum. Some applications were already being put into use, but
with the meta-analysis data, it shows that a continuous use of these applications as
well as the use of different instructions that were beneficial will help my students in
their understanding of the mathematical concepts.
The use of visuals and the CRA approach has always been a favorite instruction
of mine. When approaching students with disabilities, I’ve seen great progress in
allowing my students to understand the material through the use of manipulatives
and then gradually taking them away and ending up with abstract approach when
they understand the concepts.
One approach that I will attempt to use in future instruction is the heuristic
instruction. When gathering information, I will attempt to get my students to try and
use their critical thinking skills and discover their own ways to find solutions, rather
than showing them the answer or how to complete the problem. I will attempt to act
as a facilitator in helping them in finding their understanding.
Conclusion
Gersten et al. (2009) provided a lot of support with new ways to support my students
during instruction and ways to help students with disabilities progress with mathematical
understanding. With their findings and responsive teaching, there were ways to help our
students achieve success.
