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Biomedical subjects

R Gersten

Publications and source records attributed to R Gersten.

17 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1990

Student error patterns as a function of curriculum design: teaching fractions to remedial high school students and high school students with learning disabilities.

This study evaluated the relative effectiveness of a curriculum that incorporated three empirically derived principles of curriculum design with a basal approach in teaching basic fractions concepts to students with learning disabilities and other low performing students in high school remedial math classes. The components of effective mathematics instruction articulated by Good and Grouws (1979) were implemented in both conditions. Thus, the curriculum design variables were isolated by keeping all other aspects of instruction constant. Results indicated that, although both programs were reasonably successful in teaching the material, the curriculum program utilizing sophisticated principles of curriculum design was significantly more effective. Mean scores on a curriculum-referenced test were 96.5% for that group and 82.3% for the basal group. Secondary analyses of item clusters revealed that areas of weakness in the performance of the basal group could be directly linked to hypothesized flaws in its curriculum design.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1986

Use of verbal correction procedures with severely mentally retarded individuals: aptitude-treatment interaction?

The effects of verbal corrections on vocational training of severely mentally retarded individuals have not been clear because of lack of measures that are sensitive to differences in such persons' receptive-language skills. Using the verbal subscale of the Trainee Performance Sample, we identified trainees of high and low receptive-language skills. They were then randomly assigned to training conditions involving specific and nonspecific verbal corrections from experienced trainers. Results demonstrated that specific verbal corrections enhanced acquisition by learners with higher receptive-language skills but did not do so for learners with lower receptive-language skills. Implications of such an aptitude-treatment interaction were discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1986

Spillover effects: impact of vocational training on the lives of severely mentally retarded clients.

The effects of vocational training on the lives of 22 severely mentally retarded adults were examined. Although no training time was devoted to social skills or independent living skills, we hypothesized that the work experience would have some impact on how the clients were perceived by caretakers and on how clients behaved in social settings. Three instruments were used: a naturalistic observation of leisure behavior, the Becker Adjective Checklist, and the Adaptive Behavior Scale (ABS). No significant growth was observed for the entire sample on any of the dependent measures; however, secondary analyses revealed significant growth on three measures (perceived competence on the Becker Adjective Checklist and the ABS factor scores of Independence and Social Responsibility) for those clients who were most successful in vocational training.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed1983

Stimulus overselectivity in autistic, trainable mentally retarded, and non-handicapped children: comparative research controlling chronological (rather than mental) age.

Much of the comparative research on stimulus overselectivity has been flawed by either failure to control for chronological age and language ability of the subjects or reliance on the controversial technique of matching on mental age. The present study investigated the prevalence of overselectivity in autistic, trainable mentally retarded, and nonhandicapped children demonstrating some expressive speech. The ages of the children were between 6 years-6 months and 9 years-3 months. Thus, chronological age and language ability were controlled, rather than allowed to vary unsystematically. Results indicated no significant differences between the autistic and TMR samples, but significant differences between the handicapped samples and the non-handicapped group. Some, but not all, of the handicapped children displayed overselectivity.

Attention↗
PubMed1981

Vocational skill assessment of severely mentally retarded adults.

The Trainee Performance Sample, a vocational skills assessment instrument, was revised to enhance content validity and utility in making vocational skill learning placements for severely retarded individuals. The Trainee Performance Sample employs a process measurement approach; i.e., each of the 30 test items (a variety of benchwork tasks) includes both training and correction procedures within the item. To some extent, the examinee's ability to benefit from various training strategies is measured. Psychometric analyses demonstrated that the revised Trainee Performance Sample meets standard test development criteria. Thus, a dynamic approach to vocational skills assessment of severely retarded individuals--one that involves training while testing--has been shown to have both utility and psychometric adequacy.

Aptitude Tests↗
PubMed1975

Effectiveness of aides in a perceptual motor training program for children with learning disabilities.

A program for children with learning disabilities associated with perceptual deficits was designed that included elements of gross and fine motor coordination, visual and somatosensory perceptual training, dance, art, music and language. The effectiveness of nonprofessional "perceptual-aides," who were trained in this program, was evaluated. Twenty-eight children with learning disabilities associated with perceptual deficits were treated by occupational, physical, recreational and language therapists; and 27 similarly involved children were treated by two aides, under supervision, after training by therapists. Treatment in both groups was for four hours weekly over a four to seven month period. There was significant improvement in motor skills, visual and somatosensory perception, language and educational skills in the two programs. Although there was no significant difference between the two groups, there was a slight advantage to the aide program. The cost of the aide program was 10 percent higher than the therapist program during the first year, but 22 percent lower than the therapist program during the second year.

Allied Health Personnel↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Innovative technology for secondary students with learning disabilities.

During the 1980s, innovative use of technology was equated with microcomputer instruction. In the 1990s, a different kind of technology--videodisc instruction--has great potential for application in secondary special education. By examining its day-to-day use in naturalistic settings, this study builds on previous research with a specific videodisc program in fractions. Participants were seven secondary teachers of students with learning disabilities. Researchers measured the program's level of implementation, teacher reactions, and student achievement. Results were generally positive in all areas, with a surprisingly high acceptance of the program by the seven teachers.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Story grammar: effective literature instruction for high school students with learning disabilities.

This study examined the effectiveness of an instructional strategy for teaching comprehension of literature to 8 high school students with learning disabilities. The strategy integrated recent advances in cognitive psychology with empirically derived principles of effective instruction. The texts included short stories from middle school and high school literature anthologies. A modified multiple baseline design was utilized. Results indicated improvements in the students' ability to answer questions based on the stories read.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

What we know about using research findings: implications for improving special education practice.

This article discusses the alternative roles and responsibilities that researchers might assume to bridge the gap between special education research and classroom practice. Literature is reviewed that addresses why some research-based practices fail, and the factors likely to lead to sustained use of research-based practices. The roles of researchers as collaborators, facilitators and coaches, interpreters of the culture and dynamics of the school, and critics are described in an attempt to promote researchers as leaders in efforts to improve practices in the field of special education.

Child↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Health education for the Ethiopian community in the Negev.

The importance of health education as part of health enhancement programs is well accepted. The encounter with the Ethiopian Jews introduced a new set of problems, requiring a novel approach to old concepts. A project that was carried out during the last decade is presented. Three target populations were identified: the Ethiopian population with 851 participants, medical and community teams with 843 participants, and 138 Ethiopian instructors. An effort was made to make the interaction between these groups more coherent. The project included 65 series of activities: lectures, workshops, staff meetings and conferences. The major topics included medical, emotional, anthropological and behavioral issues. The project was initiated for immigrants of Operation Moses (1984-85), and reinforced in Operation Solomon (1991). A follow-up is presently underway to aid in the absorption of this unique community.

Community Health Workers↗