Developing Basic Calculation Skills for Students with  Intellectual Disabilities Through Counting Strategies  in Inclusive Settings

Nguyen Thi Kim Hoa; Tran Van Cong; Le Thi Tam

Le Thi Tam*	letamht@gmail.com	The Vietnam National Institute of Educational Sciences (Vietnam)
Nguyen Thi Kim Hoa	hoalk@vnies.edu.vn	The Vietnam National Institute of Educational Sciences (Vietnam)
Tran Van Cong	congtv@vnu.edu.vn	Vietnam National University (Vietnam)

Summary:

Basic calculation skills are essential for early mathematical learning; however, many students with intellectual disabilities experience persistent difficulties in mastering basic addition and subtraction. This study examined the effectiveness of structured counting strategies in improving calculation skills among first-grade students with intellectual disabilities in inclusive school settings. A 12-week intervention was implemented with eight students, supported by their classroom teachers, who received targeted training on five core counting strategies for addition and subtraction within 10. Instruction was delivered through individualized sessions using concrete and pictorial materials. Student performance was assessed before and after the intervention, and teachers’ use of counting strategies was also documented. Results showed substantial improvement in students’ calculation accuracy. Prior to the intervention, most students performed at very low levels (0-20% accuracy). After 12 weeks, five students achieved high proficiency levels (90-100% accuracy) in addition, and four students reached similar levels in subtraction. Strategies such as count-all and count-on from the first addend produced the greatest gains, while count-back remained the most challenging. Teachers also demonstrated increased frequency and flexibility in applying counting strategies. The findings suggest that explicit instruction in counting strategies can effectively support basic calculation development for students with intellectual disabilities and provide practical implications for teacher training and inclusive mathematics instruction.

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Keywords:

Students with intellectual disabilities

basic calculation skills

counting strategies

inclusive education.

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Journal:

Volume. 21 - issue 4 / 2025

VIETNAM JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL SCIENCES

Developing Basic Calculation Skills for Students with Intellectual Disabilities Through Counting Strategies in Inclusive Settings