Geometry Interventions for Students With Learning Disabilities: A Research Synthesis

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine geometry interventions for students with learning disabilities. We synthesized nine intervention studies by focusing on the geometry concepts and skills taught to students with learning disabilities, intervention types used, instructional components embedded, and the methodological rigor of the studies. Intervention studies were mainly single-case designs. The geometry topics included angle recognition, and perimeter, area, and volume problems. The findings of this synthesis contribute to the current literature by showing that geometry interventions for students with learning disabilities incorporated proven effective instructional components (e.g., multiple representations, skill modeling). Regarding the methodological rigor, the results showed several issues, including the lack of description of interventionist training, intervention treatment fidelity, and adequate technical information for student outcome measures. Limitations of the studies and suggestions for future intervention research are discussed.