Learning Disabilities: There is a Cure 2nd Edition
Author: Addie Cusimano, M.ED.
Preview of page 121:
The final area of mathematics application is related to measurement which includes linear (distance), weight and temperature. The United States, Liberia, and Myanmar (Burma), are the only countries in the world where the English system of measurement is the primary system of measurement. Every other country in the world uses the metric system of measurement. Within the United States everyday measurement based on the old English system which uses pounds, feet, and miles is commonly taught and used, while metrics is taught as a secondary means of measurement. Consequently, in the business world in the United States, engineers, architects and professionals who work for companies who deal with foreign countries must record their measurements in two systems, the English system and the more acceptable world-wide metric system. The United States has not restricted the use of metrics. The problem lies in the fact that manufacturers in the United States have not made a real effort to make the transition to metrics, while other countries have done so successfully and with a relatively smooth transition by simply packaging and labeling goods in metrics. The reluctance to change to metrics in the United States is mind boggling. In the United States the liter and two liter bottle of soda appears to be the only transition that has been madeNo one seemed to mind that transition. The change was not difficult for most Americans to accept. It is the kind of conversion that should be done with all packaged products. Unfortunately, further progress in making the change has not been attempted. The major problem that this presents in education is that all students in the United States must learn both the English and metric system. However, since the metric system is not commonly used, it is rarely mastered. For most students in the United States, and especially for learning disabled students, metrics remains a non-mastered skill. For once students are taught metrics, they have little or no common use of the system and, therefore, find it even harder to comprehend and internalize. The switch to metrics is long overdue. Now is the time for educators to insist that the metric system of measurement be the primary system of measurement used in the United States, thus allowing educators and students to concentrate solely on the metric system of measurement.
While the metric system is a system that is based on tens and is, therefore, far easier to learn and master than the English system, whether or not an educator is teaching the English or metric system, the secret to aiding a learning disabled student in this area is to expose students to a hands-on approach to the learning of measurement. Students should ...........
Preview of Chapter 10:
The Best Mathematics Approach
Please Note: This chapter is full of basic mathematic skills that learning disabled students should be taught. Ms. Cusimano discusses in detail, also, the types of teaching techniques that she found work remedially in helping children with learning disabilities These mathematic techniques, which are presented with examples, are solid techniques that make mathematics meaningful and produce success in the teaching of mathematics to all children. A wonderful resource for educators, parents and student teachers.
Helping Students with Learning Disabilities
