Problem-Based Learning Software for Students With Disabilities

When students are engaged in learning environments that allow for the practice of problem-solving skills, they are able to connect the classroom to the real world. Students with disabilities need to develop the skills of problem solving, and they need to know how to identify a problem, find the answer, and evaluate their choice. This article dis-cusses the use of problem-based learning software to help students with disabilities develop these critical self-directed learning skills. P roblem solving has been defined as a task, ac-tivity, or situation in which the answer isnot easily discernible or attainable (Weh-meyer & Schwartz, 1998). Problem solving,as a learning strategy, teaches a learner to independently solve a problem while drawing on mem-ory. The learner selects from a variety of responses and then follows through with the correct response (Char-ney, Reder, & Kusbit, 1990). When learners are intro-duced to problems, they make correct choices based on recall of similar situations and correct choices. Teachers must use strategies to help students de