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Abstract

New instructional arrangements should be explored to meet the needs of secondary learning disabled students. The Thematic Unit is an integrated approach to content area learning. A Thematic Unit integrates reading, writing, and speaking experiences at a remedial level while fostering active and strategic study of the content. Features of the approach include the use of natural materials, the teaching of learning strategies, and an emphasis on student decision-making and involvement. Teachers utilizing this approach are able to program a variety of instructional modes, formats, and experiences. Students might engage in debates, discussions, meaningful writing, shared writing, directed reading, and Reciprocal Teaching. Guidelines for constructing, organizing, and evaluating a Thematic Unit are provided.

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The Thematic Unit Approach: Content and Process Instruction for Secondary Learning Disabled Students

Abstract

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References