Using Enhanced Anchored Instruction in Diverse Math Classrooms

Students with disabilities often face significant challenges in developing mathematical problem-solving skills, which are critical for academic success. Traditional problem-solving interventions have primarily focused on skill acquisition, leading to issues with knowledge application in real-world contexts. Enhanced Anchored Instruction (EAI) offers a multimedia-based, hands-on approach to address these challenges by integrating explicit instruction, video anchoring, and authentic activities. This article describes essential components and how to implement EAI in diverse special education classrooms and illustrates how a fourth-grade teacher used the EAI approach to enhance her students’ problem-solving skills through culturally responsive instruction. By combining technology tools with real-world application, the EAI approach can bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, fostering deeper understanding and engagement among students with disabilities in diverse special education classrooms.