Developing a Conceptual Model of Mathematical Learning and Cognitive Activities to Improve Learning in Students with Mathematic Learning Disability: A Qualitative Study

The present research was conducted with the aim of developing a conceptual model for mathematical learning and providing cognitive activities to improve learning in students with mathematical learning disorders in two steps. The research method was qualitative and with thematic analysis approach. The studied population included written sources related to mathematical learning disorders (MLDs) in Iran and abroad, between the years 1370-1401 SH and 1967 -2021 A.D.In the first step, theoretical texts were selected by purposive sampling method and document mining tool with the library method. 53 sources were examined and the data was saturated. The data was analyzed according to Braun and Clark (2006) method and 235 codes were obtained. By reducing the codes, 80 base codes, 21 sub-concepts and 8 main concepts were extracted. The findings show that the 8 main concepts of math learning included calculation operations, number position, measurement, understanding mathematical language, time, problem solving, visualizing and comparing shapes, and money concept. The data and the designed conceptual model were reviewed by 10 experts according to the validation criteria of qualitative findings, whose reliability was equal to 0.97 based on the Holsti criterion. In the second step of the research, 44 cognitive activities improving math learning were matched with the 8 main concepts of math learning and were validated by experts using content validity ratio (CVR) and content validity index (CVI). The findings indicated that the conceptual model of math learning and cognitive concepts has 21 sub-concepts and 8 main concepts. The main concepts obtained include calculation operations, number position, measurement, understanding mathematical language, time, problem solving, visualizing and comparing shapes, and money concept. CVR was equal to 0.98 and CVI equal to 0.97 at a very favorable level. The pattern obtained from the review of scientific texts in this research includes the main dimensions of mathematical learning and the cognitive activities presented in it which have the aspect of play and entertainment can help mathematical learning. Therefore, since the understanding and learning of mathematics is based on abstract concepts and these students have many problems in understanding abstract concepts, it is suggested that the findings of this research be used to increase the positive attitude and enthusiasm of students towards mathematics and deepen learning.