This article presents qualitative results of the instructional usefulness of a Web-based multimedia problem-based learning module designed to simulate the special education referral process. The multicultural special education (MUSE) module uses three interactive phases to highlight the complexity of determining the nature of academic difficulties when a student has English language limitations. Interviews with instructors and pre-service teachers indicated that the multimedia components of the module created a realistic portrayal of the special education referral process. Furthermore, the group work within the module provided a unique opportunity for pre-service teachers to begin to collaborate with a team to make educational decisions for students they will likely encounter in their future professions.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
AlbaneseM. A.MitchellS. (1993). Problem-based learning: A review of literature on its outcomes and implementation issues. Academic Medicine, 68, 52–81.
2.
AlbionP.GibsonI. (2000). Problem-based learning as a multimedia design framework in teacher education. Journal of Technology and Teacher Education, 8, 315–326.
3.
ArtilesA. J.TrentS. C. (1994). Overrepresentation of minority students in special education: A continuing debate. The Journal of Special Education, 27, 410–437.
4.
BacaL.ValenzuelaJ. S. (1998). Background and rationale for bilingual special education. In BacaL. M.CervantesH. T. (Eds.), The bilingual special education interface (pp. 2–25). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.
5.
BayM.Lopez-ReynaN. (2000). Preparing future bilingual special educators: The lessons we've learned. Teacher Education and Special Education, 20, 1–10.
6.
BogdanR. C.BiklenS. K. (2001). Qualitative research for education: An introduction to theory and methods. Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon.
7.
BoudD.FelettiG. (Eds). (2001). The challenge of problem-based learning. London: Kogan Page.
8.
DenzinN. K.LincolnY. S. (2000). Introduction: The discipline and practice of qualitative research. In DenzinN. K.LincolnY. S. (Eds.), The handbook of qualitative research (2nd ed., pp. 1–29). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc.
9.
DoucetM. D.PurdyR. A.KaufmanD. M.LangilleD. B. (1998). Comparison of problem-based learning and lecture format in continuing medical education on headache diagnosis and management. Medical Education, 32, 590–596.
10.
DunnL. M. (1968). Special education for the mildly retarded: Is much of it justifiable?Exceptional Children, 23, 5–21.
11.
EngelC. E. (2001). Not just a method but a way of learning. In BoudD.FelettiG. (Eds.), The challenge of problem-based learning (2nd ed., pp.23–33). London: Kogan Page.
12.
FitzgeraldG. E.SemrauL. P. (1996). Hypermedia and direct instruction: Do the paradigms fit? A demonstration of classroom observation skills. Education and Treatment of Children, 18, 348–59.
13.
GallegosA.McCartyL. L. (2000). Bilingual multicultural special education: An integrated personnel preparation program. Teacher Education and Special Education, 23, 264–270.
14.
GerberM. M.EnglishJ.SingerG. S. (1999). Bridging between craft and academic knowledge: A computer supported, problem-based learning model for professional preparation in special education. Teacher Education and Special Education, 22, 100–113.
15.
GlasnerB. G.StraussA. L. (1967). The discovery of grounded theory: Strategies for qualitative research. New York: Aldine.
16.
GrossmanH. (1998). Ending discrimination in special education. Springfield, IL: Charles C. Thomas, LTD.
17.
HallahanD. P.KauffmanJ. M. (2003). Exceptional learners: Introduction to special education (9th Ed.). Needham Heights, MA: Allyn & Bacon.
18.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997, Pub. L. No. 101–476 × 300.308 (1997).
19.
KnotekS. (2003). Bias in problem solving and the social process of student study teams: A qualitative investigation. The Journal of Special Education, 37, 2–14.
20.
LangoneJ.MaloneD. M.ClintonG. N. (1999). The effects of technology-enhanced anchored instruction on the knowledge of preservice special educators. Teacher Education and Special Education, 22, 85–96.
LlagasC.SnyderT. D. (2003). Status and trends in the education of Hispanics (NCES Publication No. 2003–008). Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office.
23.
MayerR. E.HeiserJ.LonnS. (2001). Cognitive constraints on multimedia learning: When presenting more material results in less understanding. Journal of Educational Psychology, 93, 187–198.
24.
NormanG. R.SchmidtH. G. (1992). The psychological basis of problem-based learning: A review of the evidence. Academic Medicine, 67, 557–565.
25.
OchoaT. A. (2003). Bilingual special education. In OvandoC. J.CollierV. P.CombsM. C. (Eds.), Bilingual and ESL classrooms: Teaching in multicultural contexts (3rd ed., pp. 358–378). Boston: McGraw Hill.
26.
OchoaT. A.GerberM. M.LeafstedtJ. M.HoughS.KyleS.Rogers-AdkinsonD.KumarP. (2001). Web technology as a teaching tool: A multicultural special education case. Educational Technology & Society, 4(1), 50–60.
27.
OchoaT. A.VasquezL. R.GerberM. M. (1999). New generation of computer-assisted learning tools for students with disabilities. Intervention in School and Clinic, 34, 251–254.
28.
ParetteP.VanBiervlietA.HourcadeJ. J. (2000). Family centered decision making in assistive technology. Journal of Special Education Technology, 15 (1), 45–55.
29.
SchwartzD. L.VyeN. J.MooreA.PetrosinoA.ZechL.BransfordJ. D., & The Cognition and Technology Group at Vanderbilt (1998). Doing with understanding: Lessons from research on problem- and project-based learning. The Journal of the Learning Sciences, 7, 271–311.
30.
ShoreM. A.ShoreJ. B. (2003). An integrative curriculum approach to developmental mathematics and the health professions using problem based learning. Mathematics and Computer Education, 37, 29–38.
31.
SolorzanoR. W.SolorzanoD. G. (1999). Beginning teacher standards: Impact on second-language learners and implications for teacher preparation. Teacher Education Quarterly, 26, 37–70. Retrieved August 21, 2003, from http://www.teqjournal.org/sample_issue/article_3.htm.
32.
StraussA. I.CorbinJ. (1990). Basics of qualitative research: Grounded theory perspectives and techniques. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage.
33.
TrentS. C.ArtilesA. J. (1998). Multicultural teacher education in special and bilingual education: Exploring multiple measurement strategies to assess teacher learning. Remedial and Special Education, 19, 2–6.
34.
TylerN.SmithD. D. (2000). Welcome to the TESE special issue: Preparation of culturally and linguistically diverse special educators. Teacher Education and Special Education, 23, 261–263.
VernonD. T. A.BlakeR. L. (1993). Does problem-based learning work? A meta-analysis of evaluative research. Academic Medicine, 68, 550–563.
37.
WatsonP.FitzgeraldG. E.SemrauL. P. (1999). The virtual resources center in behavioral disorders: Dissemination and evaluation of instructional supports via the World Wide Web (Information Resources 019665). Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education. (Eric Document Reproduction Service No. ED432295).
