Development and Validation of an Instructional Package of Cognitive and Metacognitive Strategies based on Vygotsky and Sewler’s Theories and Investigating its Effectiveness on Cognitive Functions and Verbal Math Problem Solving in Students with Special Math Learning Disabilities

The aim of this study was to develop and validate an instructional package of cognitive and metacognitive strategies and explore its effectiveness on cognitive functions and the ability to solve verbal math problems in students with special math learning disabilities. The study was designed with a pretest, posttest, and follow up. The statistical population of the study consisted of all fourth-grade elementary students with special learning disabilities in Bahmaei city in 2009-2010 academic year. From this population, 16 pupils were selected as the research sample via purposive sampling method .The package was compiled in the form of 9 sessions of 45 minutes and was validated using content validation technique .The instruments used in the study included a researcher-made word problems test in five parallel forms, KeyMath diagnostic assessment, and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children. The results showed that the educational package of cognitive and metacognitive strategies could significantly increase cognitive functions and verbal math problem solving in students with special math learning disabilities. In addition, cognitive functions and word problem solving in students were followed up after the post-test; no noticeable change was observed in the posttest after one month. The finding demonstrates the effectiveness of the training package of cognitive and metacognitive strategies in the long run.