Students identified with a specific learning disability (SLD) experience difficulty with mathematical problem solving. One specific intervention identified as a promising practice for students with a SLD is schema-based instruction (SBI). The current projects aimed to tests the efficacy of SBI under routine conditions. This extends prior literature by (a) using a teacher as the implementer, (b) allowing flexibility in the intervention protocol, (c) condensing the duration of intervention sessions, and (d) providing instruction in small group settings. In addition, we examined student problem solving performance on word problems requiring two-steps and combined schema structures. We used a multiple-probe design across three groups of fifth-grade participants (n = 7) receiving supplemental instruction in a resource room setting. Results indicated a functional relation between SBI and problem-solving performance for all students on simple structure word problems, with the magnitude of effects varying across cases. The NAP, Tau, and BC-SMD effect sizes were used to quantify effects. Implications were discussed in regard to systematic replication and conditions that may impact fidelity.
An effective learning environment for teaching problem solving in software architecture
