An action research investigation into the effectiveness of number testing of a group of young adults with learning difficulties in a further education setting

Abstract

This was an investigation into the testing of number skills of young adults with learning difficulties in the further education sector. Four male students were tested for a range of numeracy skills using recognized methods. The participants’ ability to count non-concrete sets was also explored using drumbeats and counting using only touch was explored using a feely-box. The participants’ ability and the adequacies of the tests were assessed with regard to the participants’ results. There was the conclusion of the need for further education educators to recognize the elemental steps involved in developing the ability to count, the need for more targeted tests for subitising, numerosity and ordinality.