The effect of a mathematical aided language stimulation programme for subtraction word-problem solving for children with intellectual disabilities

Abstract

Children with intellectual disabilities are often denied exposure to mathematical word-problem solving since it is believed to beyond their intellectual abilities. This study aimed to determine whether children with intellectual disabilities could be taught to solve subtraction word-problems. The underlying premise of this study was that the receptive mathematical language skills of children with intellectual disabilities needed to be enhanced so as to optimize their word-problem solving abilities. This was undertaken through the implementation of a mathematical aided language stimulation programme (MAiLgS). This programme aimed to maximise exposure to and understanding of the mathematical language of word-problems for children with intellectual disabilities through simultaneous exposure to spoken input and visual supports. Two strategies were combined to form the MAiLgS programme. The first strategy referred to Goossens’ (1989) principles of aided language stimulation whereby graphic symbols in the form of Picture Communication Symbols (PCS symbols) (Johnson, 1981) and spoken input were utilized to expound upon and clarify the vocabulary comprising word-problems. Riley, Greeno and Heller’s model of word-problem solving (1983) was used to structure the three types of subtraction word-problems and to provide visual support in calculating the word-problem solutions. Seven children with intellectual disabilities aged between 8;0 and 12;0 were taught to solve the subtraction word-problems in a small group format. A multiple baseline design across behaviours (three types of subtraction word-problems) replicated across seven participants was used. The MAiLgS programme entailed teaching each of the three types of subtraction word-problems over a period of three weeks, with one word-problem type being taught each week. Participants’ subtraction-word problem solving was monitored daily using probe tests. Three maintenance probes were conducted four weeks after intervention stopped. Four of the seven participants demonstrated improved subtraction word-problems solving for the three types of subtraction word-problems. The remaining three participants demonstrated minimal change in their ability to solve the word-problems. The results of this study suggest that a MAiLgS programme may be used in a small group format to teach word-problem solving to children with intellectual disabilities.