Learning strategies of students with and without emotional and behavioural disorders in primary school

Abstract

ABSTRACT Learning strategies can be powerful learning tools. Some studies show that even primary school students use them. However, hardly any studies have investigated the use of learning strategies of students with special needs, especially for those with emotional and behavioural disorders, in primary schools. Thus, in the present study we examined whether students with special needs in emotional and behavioural disorders use learning strategies and whether their use differs from that of students without special needs. The sample consisted of 101 second, third, and fourth grade students (M age = 9.41; SD = .86; 100% male), 44 of which were students with and 57 students without emotional and behavioural disorders. We used a questionnaire to measure the self-reported learning strategy use. Results revealed significant differences in rehearsal, organisation, elaboration, and effort in favour of the students without emotional and behavioural disorders. There were no significant differences regarding time management. Hence, future research is needed to investigate how students with special needs can improve their learning strategy use.