The purpose of the study was to analyze the situated cognition approach for developing
the critical-thinking skills of students with learning disabilities. Generally, researchers and
educators believe that students with learning disabilities must always master basic skills b
efore learning more advanced skills. However, research has shown that many students wit
h learning disabilities have not only special abilities in creative and divergent areas but al
so abilities to think critically before mastering basic skills. Recognizing the importance of
critical-thinking skills, some researchers have tried to implement instructional strategies o
r programs aimed at developing thinking skills of students with learning disabilities based
on situated cognition.
Situated cognition approach provides students with opportunities to solve authentic task
s in meaningful context, which constructs environment for students with learning disabiliti
es to experience various cognitive activities. Considering the abilities of students with mil
d disabilities and the effects of situated cognition approach, this study suggested several
factors of instructions for students with learning disabilities:(a) activating background kn
owledge, (b) providing authentic tasks, (c) introducing collaborative learning, and (d) usin
g multimedia technology.