Mathematical thinking in second-grade children with different forms of LD

J Learn Disabil. 2000 Nov-Dec;33(6):567-78. doi: 10.1177/002221940003300605.

Abstract

Based on their performance on a standardized achievement test, second-grade children (N = 49) were classified as having mathematics difficulties with normal reading achievement (MD only), both mathematics and reading difficulties (MD/RD), reading difficulties with normal mathematics achievement (RD only) and normal mathematics and reading achievement (NA). Each child was given a series of tasks so that we might assess their thinking across four areas of mathematics: number facts, story problems, place value, and written calculation. Children with MD/RD performed significantly worse than NA children in most areas of mathematical thinking, whereas children with MD only performed worse than NA children only on complex story problems. The MD-only group outperformed the MD/RD group on story problems and written calculation. No significant differences were found between the RD-only and NA groups on any of the tasks. The results suggested that among children with mathematics difficulties, the MD/RD subgroup is distinct from the MD-only subgroup, with the former being characterized by pervasive deficiencies in mathematical thinking and the latter by more specific deficits in problem solving.

MeSH terms

  • Aptitude Tests
  • Child
  • Cognition Disorders / etiology*
  • Cognition Disorders / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Learning Disabilities / classification
  • Learning Disabilities / complications*
  • Learning Disabilities / psychology*
  • Male
  • Mathematics*
  • Problem Solving