Determination of the adaptations made by classroom teachers in the process of teaching mathematics to students with special learning disabilities

Every individual has the right to education. Students with specific learning difficulties also have the right to education, just like their peers who are developing normally. However, they may be deprived of these rights for certain reasons. From this perspective, classroom teachers need to make certain adaptations so that students with specific learning difficulties can benefit from education in the best possible way. The purpose of this study is to determine classroom teachers' thoughts on the adaptations they make in the mathematics teaching process for students with learning disabilities who are integrated into regular classrooms. This study is considered important because it determines classroom teachers' knowledge and experience regarding learning disabilities and provides information about the current situation. Since this study aims to examine the subject in depth, a case study design was used from among qualitative research methods. The study group consisted of 12 volunteer classroom teachers. A criterion sampling method was used to identify classroom teachers. A semi-structured interview form prepared with expert opinion was used as the data collection tool. Data were collected from classroom teachers using this tool in person and online in an average of 20 minutes. Deductive analysis technique was used in the analysis of the data. From the data obtained in the study, codes were derived, and categories were formed from the codes. The findings obtained as a result of the analysis of the research revealed that classroom teachers made some instructional and physical adaptations in the process of effective mathematics teaching for students with specific learning difficulties, and that the participants made adaptations related to classroom organization, lesson delivery, and the assessment process. However, the findings also revealed that the participants encountered various problems in the process of preparing and implementing these adaptations. The findings were discussed in light of studies in the literature, and recommendations and limitations were identified.