Designing, Developing, and Evaluation of a Germane Load-Based Cognitive Rehabilitation Program for Students with Specific Learning Disabilities

authors:

avatar Maryam Kaboli 1 , avatar Parvin Kadivar 2 , * , avatar Mohammad Hossein Abdollahi 2 , avatar mehdi Arabzadeh 2

Kharazmi University ,Tehran ,Iran
Department of Education and Psychology, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran

how to cite: Kaboli M, Kadivar P, Abdollahi M H, Arabzadeh M. Designing, Developing, and Evaluation of a Germane Load-Based Cognitive Rehabilitation Program for Students with Specific Learning Disabilities. J Arch Mil Med. 2020;8(3):e111339. https://doi.org/10.5812/jamm.111339.

Abstract

Objectives:

The current study aimed to design, develop, and evaluate a germane load-based cognitive rehabilitation program designed for students with special learning disabilities.

Methods:

The exploratory, descriptive method was used for designing the program. Thematic analysis (Sterling (2001)) was used to estimate the germane load themes. Based on the previous studies, 85 specific germane load codes were identified and evaluated. According to the results, the Multimedia Principle in germane load, Multi-personalization principle, and the Feedback principle consisted of 16, 17, 12 basic themes, respectively. Besides, the Reflection principle, as the most important learning principle in germane load, contained 17 basic themes, and the Guided Activity principle consisted of 8 basic themes. The content validity method was used to validate the program, both quantitatively and qualitatively, with a panel of 10 experts as well as two relative content validity coefficients (CVR) and content validity index (CVI).

Results:

The minimum and maximum content validity index (CVI) for each article or program component are 0.8 and 1, respectively, and the minimum and maximum content validity index (CVR) for each article or program component are 0.7 and 1, respectively.

Conclusions:

The results showed that the germane load-based cognitive rehabilitation program for students with special learning disabilities has appropriate content validity as well as the necessary validity for educational, clinical, and research purposes.

1. Background

The special learning disorder is a major neurodevelopmental disorder that mostly occurs in childhood (1). They mostly suffer from problems in written expression, reading, and mathematics (2). A large number of learners with learning disorders have difficulty in learning the course materials because of learning disabilities. While their intelligence score is usually higher than average, under nearly similar educational situations, their performance is weaker than learners (3). Meanwhile, even in a proper educational context, they are not able to learn in certain areas, even those who do not have clear biological lesions, in the absence of strong social and psychological problems, and those who have moderate intelligence. The consequence of the big distinction between the level of ability and performance is that these students, despite having intelligence abilities, do not benefit from the proper cognitive functions (1). Individuals with learning disabilities also have a lower cognitive load capacity of working memory; for example, the Fifth diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5) in describing a specific learning disability in one of the axes stated that there are learning disabilities in preschool age, but because the processing demands of the child are limited, they do not become apparent (that is, the disorder becomes apparent when a person has to take speed-related assignments and tests, or when he or she has to complete homework for a limited time, or when he or she has heavy academic responsibilities and tasks assigned to him or her). Therefore, this guide refers to the shortcomings of these people regarding the cognitive load of working memory. Hence, it can be argued that cognitive impairment is a significant feature of children with special learning disabilities (4). Cognitive load theory (5, 6) reflects our understanding of human cognitive architecture to make hypotheses in the field of novel teaching approaches. The cognitive load theory intends to explain the way our mind processes information and how a load of educational matters and activities impacts student's ability to process new information and to create knowledge in long-term memory. The basic premise of this theory is that human cognitive processing is strongly affected by the limitations of working memory, and hence, we are only able to process a small amount of information over a specific period (7). In 1998, Sweller reviewed cognitive loads and categorized them into three types: Intrinsic, Extraneous, and germane. Intrinsic cognitive load refers to the complexity associated with processing information and is related to the concept of component interaction (7). An extraneous cognitive load is about how information is presented and what the student should do based on the learning process. But the germane load, which is emphasized in the present research, refers to working memory resources that are dedicated to counteracting the intrinsic load instead of the extra cognitive load. In other words, the germane load is the load of engagement in learning activities that leads to the acquisition of organized schemas and their automation. This load is extracted from educational materials that facilitate effective and efficient learning processes. Therefore, it affects learning outcomes (7). Sweller (2020) referred to germane load as germane resources, indicating the amount of working memory capacity associated with learning. Germane cognitive load excludes limited working memory resources from engagement to non-learning activities and only considers resources that are directly related to the overall learning process through intrinsic learning-related information (7). Germane load is about cognitive activities that are intentionally designed to increase schema acquisition and automation. Germane load resources are directed toward cognitive activities specially designed to enhance learning outcomes or improve learner's motivation. Such activities can significantly develop the overall cognitive load. Howsoever, they contribute directly to learning. Therefore, germane load is a cognitive load that directly contributes to schema acquisition. Meanwhile, problems related to cognitive load are common in those suffering from special learning disabilities. Seok and Dacosta (2010) argued that when designing programs to help those with learning disabilities, adhering to cognitive load principles is more important, as memory impairment is much more evident in people with special learning disabilities and is one of their main challenges in educational settings (8). Hence, it can be considered as an effective intervention to improve the cognitive deficits of learners with cognitive rehabilitation learning disabilities. Cognitive rehabilitation, which is used to treat and rehabilitate cognitive disorders, can be used to strengthen damaged areas or to replace new patterns of disorder compensation (9). In fact, cognitive rehabilitation refers to instructions based on the findings of cognitive science that aim to improve cognitive deficits using games, all of which refer to the principle of the brain flexibility (10). The most widely referred definition of cognitive rehabilitation is an interdisciplinary definition approved by the Brain Injury Interdisciplinary Special Interest Group (BI-ISIG): accordingly, cognitive rehabilitation is a set of systematic and functional services of cognitive therapy activities that are based on the assessment and understanding of a person's brain-behavior deficits. Services contain 1) improving, reinforcing, or recreating previous cognitive behavioral patterns; or 2) creating new patterns of cognitive activity or compensatory mechanisms for damaged nervous systems. This description intends to provide comprehensive and interdisciplinary rehabilitation programs with interventions to restore or reorganize lost performance. Cognitive rehabilitation is a systematic and practical set of medical services designed to improve cognitive function and to participate in activities that may be affected by disabilities in one or more cognitive areas (Brain Injury Association of America, 2012). However, in recent decades, many advances have been made in the development of cognitive rehabilitation programs, including the studies conducted by Alloway (2012); Alloway, Bibile, and Lau (2013); Klingberg, Thorell, Lindqvist, Bergman, and Bohlin (2005); Dahlin (2011); Thorell, Lindqvist, Bergman, Bohlin, and Klingberg (2009); Schwaighofer, Bühner, and Fischer (2017). However, the abovementioned training packages and protocols are mainly focused on some particular games, methods, and techniques of cognitive rehabilitation, and none has focused on the principles of cognitive load. Moreover, none of these studies have designed and compiled a standard and systematic educational program based on common educational design patterns. Also, students' cognitive empowerment plays a prominent role in solving the problems of these people, especially students who suffer from cognitive deficits (e.g., students with learning disabilities).

2. Objectives

According to what was mentioned before, by designing a cognitive rehabilitation program based on a cognitive approach intended to compensate for the deficiencies of people with special learning disabilities, the current study aimed to fill the aforementioned gap in the literature. Accordingly, the present study aimed to design, formulate, and evaluate an effective cognitive rehabilitation program for students with special learning disabilities, and the following questions were raised: 1. What are the components or themes of germane load in developing a germane load based on cognitive rehabilitation program? 2. Does the germane load-based cognitive rehabilitation program have content validity?

3. Methods

This research was conducted in two general stages. In the first stage, an exploratory approach, which is a descriptive method, was used to explain the conceptual framework of cognitive rehabilitation based on the germane cognitive load as well as to design and develop an educational-psychological program. This approach is based on obtaining information from various studies related to the research field. To design a program, the following steps should be performed in order: initial protocol (selection of target subgroups, expectations, questions), determination of program goals, selection of theories related to designing concepts and goals, selection of psychological processes related to goal-based research and theories, selection of techniques and tasks to run the operation, evaluation of selected items by external experts, and, last but not least, review and preparation of the final version (11). In the second part of the research, the validity of the designed program was assessed. To achieve this goal, Lawshe (1975) method was used. Since in the present study 10 experts were invited to assess the program, the minimum acceptable value to verify the validity of the components of the program was considered as 0.62 (12).

Waltz and Basel's method (1981; quoted Hussein, sacrifice, and Ibn al-Ahmadi, 2015) was used to calculate the content validity index (CVI). In this method, the minimum acceptable value for the CVI index is 0.79, and items with a score < 0.79 should be removed. According to the experts' opinions, the following criteria were selected: "relevance", "clarity", and "simplicity". The Equation (1) was used to calculate the content validity index for each of these criteria (Davis, 1992). In this way, the total CVI for each component or item includes the mean total score of the three criteria.

Equation 1.CVI=No. of answers in agreement with the ranks 3 and 4 The total No. of responses to each item

In this method, items with a score > 0.79 are appropriate, between 0.79 and 0.79 need revision, and scores < 0.70 are unacceptable and must be deleted (13). To design the program, all books and scientific articles related to cognitive rehabilitation and load germane as well as theories related to this field, were reviewed. It worth noting that theories were selected using a purposive sampling method, while emphasizing maximum diversity or heterogeneity. The review was stopped upon reaching data saturation.

To achieve this goal, Springer, Science Direct, and PubMed databases were searched to identify relevant studies published during the past decade using the keywords of cognitive rehabilitation and germane load. Eventually, 5 books and 32 articles were selected, which had an appropriate study population, sampling methodology, sample size, research tools, and research methodology. In the following, 10 specialists in the field of rehabilitation and education (i.e., cognitive rehabilitation, cognitive load, and e-learning) were selected by purposive sampling.

3.1. Research Process

The first step in designing a germane load-based cognitive rehabilitation program is to carefully review the literature. In this step, special attention should be paid to studies on people with learning disabilities and their deficiencies. This step is intended to accurately identify the deficiencies of these individuals concerning memory-based duplication, then responding to the identified deficiencies. In addition, various theories, sources, and researches in the field of germane load and cognitive rehabilitation were studied, and articles related to these fields were reviewed.

In the second step, according to the results of previous research, several goals were defined for the program. In other words, first, the shortcomings of these people in the memory-based cognitive domains were identified, then the goals of the program, which was specifically designed to improve executive function skills, were selected. In addition, the germane load was focused on the goals of long-distance transmission in the rehabilitation program, as well as cognitive load-related problems in people with learning disabilities.

In the third step, the theoretical and research foundations of cognitive rehabilitation and germane load were reviewed. To design and develop a rehabilitation program based on germane load, we tried to investigate rehabilitation programs that were reported in previous studies. This step intended to strengthen executive functions through extracting important information, such as Neuroplasticity, Head Start REDI, Promoting Alternative Thinking Skills (PATHS), The Incredible Years, Scaffolding designed to promote Self-Regulation, SSS Program, Cogmed, Tools of the mind, Jungle Memory, Capitan Log, Memory GYM, Smart Mind, CAN Tab and IVA-2, and ideas.

In the fourth step, according to the psychological processes related to research based on the goals and theories of this field as well as using thematic analysis, several areas were selected. Thus, according to the results of previous research in the field of cognitive rehabilitation and cognitive load, as well as the deficits of people with learning disabilities, interventions were selected. Also, based on studies related to cognitive load. Shay (2014) mentioned germane load as the most important cognitive load. The principles of germane load reinforcement are also discussed in detail (14). In the fifth step, with the help of experts participating in the research and two programmers, the techniques and tasks that make the processes operational were designed and coded. In this way, 9 computer tasks with different difficulty, which included about 50 tasks, were considered and designed. As Ovey and Patterson (2014) reported that, games with a puzzle mode were more effective, the tasks were designed in the form of games. Besides, we tried to use topics that are attractive to children and within their comprehension (Table 1).

Table 1.

Summary of Cognitive Rehabilitation Tasks Based on Germane Cognitive Load and Their Cognitive Value

Task TitleTask Description
Traffic lightThis task contains a page with a traffic light. The color of the traffic light, like the traffic lights on the streets, changes; The green light means go; Red means do not go; and the yellow means to be prepared not to move and otherwise, you will lose points.
Magic doorIn this task, different doors (door, elevator door, microwave, etc.) are displayed in each step, which changes according to step (7 steps), When a door opens, the student can see what is located inside. Then the system opens all doors, and the student should select the correct option (door).
In this task, different doors (door, elevator door, microwave, etc.) are displayed in each step, which changes according to the step (7 steps). When a door opens, the student can see what is located inside. Then, the system opens all doors and the student should select the correct option (door).
Forest animalsThis task contains a page that has a margin that changes regularly, every few seconds, depending on the step of the task (7 steps), and several animals appear in sequence on the page. One has to pay attention to the pictures of the animals on the screen, and if the color of the animal that appears on the screen is similar to the color of the border of the screen, one should quickly click on the image. It starts with an animal and the animals are added one by one. The student just has to compare the color of the last animal displayed with the color of the page border.
ToysThis task contains several images (target images), depending on the steps of the task (7 steps), which are located on the sides of the page (target images), over time bubbles that are inside each of the children's toy images appear on the page that the person must click Tap images that are similar to the target images on the sides of the screen.
In this task, an image is placed under a microscope, and the person should decide according to the steps (6 steps), in each step according to the abovementioned rules (similar to a few previous images), the image is similar to the previous the image or not. And if it was, tap on the image and get points.
MicroscopeIn this task, an image is placed under a microscope, and the person should decide according to the steps (6 steps), in each step according to the abovementioned rules (similar to a few previous images), the image is similar to the previous the image or not. And if it was, tap on the image and get points.
In this task, several colors will be displayed in order, depending on the steps of the task (7 steps) the person must listen to the colors expressed as well as the order of their presentation, then a rainbow appears on the screen that the target color should be selected. The target color is located between them, and the person must hit the rainbow according to the order in which the color is expressed.
TableThis task comprises several images (target images) depending on the step of the task (7 steps). Different colors and shapes are displayed and read on the screen, respectively, then several different images appear on the page, including the target images. It is located, and the person must find and tap those images according to the order, color, and shape of the presented images.

In the sixth step, the designed assignments that were no longer visible and executable on the computer were evaluated by the experts participating in the study, and the necessary corrections were made so that the program would be more in line with the specific characteristics of children with learning disabilities and their shortcomings in terms of cognitive load would be observed. In addition, the rehabilitation program was reviewed by several experts in this field, and its problems were fixed and their suggestions were followed.

The seventh and final step was dedicated to reviewing and preparing the final form of the program. The purpose of this phase was to implement a preliminary rehabilitation program. Hence, this step only intended to modify the rehabilitation program and adapt it to the characteristics of students with learning disabilities. Moreover, special attention was paid to identifying gaps. For this purpose, a rehabilitation program was performed for 2 - 3 sessions on 5 students (3 with special learning disabilities and 2 with normal characteristics) and its problems and shortcomings were identified and addressed. After fixing the problems, the final form was ready to be used for rehabilitation sessions. It worth noting that all homeworks have an educational aspect and the instructor has a guiding role in all stages and scoring students can provide the ground for the student to learn more. The germane load-based cognitive rehabilitation tasks are summarized in the following tables. It should be noted that the assignments are designed based on the five principles of germane load reinforcement.

4. Results

To answer the question of "what components or themes of the germane load should be considered when developing a cognitive rehabilitation program?", first, we used the thematic analysis approach proposed by Stirling (2001) to extract themes. Hence, initially, codes were extracted and then categorized into themes. In this regard, special attention was paid to the distinction between themes and their wideness. Therefore, based on what was mentioned before, the organizer themes were determined based on various theories in this field, and the basic themes related to each organizer were categorized. Based on studies from various sources, finally, 85 specific germane load codes were identified and evaluated. Based on the results, the "Multimedia" principle in germane load consisted of 16 basic themes, "Personalization" principle had 17 basic themes, "Feedback" principle had 12 basic themes, "Reflection" principle, as the most important learning principle in germane load, had 17 basic themes, and, finally, the "Guided Activity" principle consisted 8 basic themes (Table 2).

Table 2.

Components Extracted from Document Analysis to Achieve Germane Load Components Based on Cognitive Load Principles

Inclusive ThemeOrganizer ThemeBasic ThemesCategory Code in The Themes Network
Germane loadMultimedia PrincipleVariability in the type of mediaA1
Variety of media and examples of Multimedia PrincipleA2
Specific strategy among the types of verbal and non-verbal mediaA3
Motivation to learn the light of the Multimedia Principle of learningA4
Multimedia Principle designA5
Facilitating learning through Multimedia Principle trainingA6
Interactive Multimedia Principle elementsA7
Germane load means multimedia principle working memoryA8
Multimedia Principle Learning EnhancerA9
Variety of educational methodsA10
Multimedia Principle metacognitive supportA11
Select Multimedia Principle informationA12
Necessary load and corresponding to learning goalsA13
Realism in learningA14
Intrinsic load learningA15
Learning based on empirical findingsA16
personalization principleFriendly interactionB1
Learner self-awarenessB2
Desire to learnB3
Germane result based on learner activityB4
Self-explanatory germane resultB5
Germane result based on active learningB6
Learner-basedB7
Learner-centeredB8
Germane result based on non-imposed learningB9
Germane result based on high motivationB10
Germane result based on learner needsB11
Organize voluntary learningB12
Voluntary mental effortB13
Complex brain functionB14
Flexibility in the content providedB15
Learn the required contentB16
Desire to learnB17
Feedback principalFeedback based on the learner's explanationsC1
Addressing problems based on proper feedbacksC2
Find the right way based on experiencesC3
Self-explanatory germane resultC4
Germane result based on learner's activityC5
Germane result based on learner's self-controlC6
Increased performance based on germane-induced learning loadC7
Germane result based on logical learningC8
Germane result based on organized knowledgeC9
Providing feedback by the tutor to solve problemsC10
Germane query-based result after each feedbackC11
Germane result based on feedback from the learnerC12
Reflection principalComplexity of tasksD1
Performance transferD2
Deepen the learning processD3
Further detailsD4
Differentiating true diagnosis from falseD5
High motivationD6
ExploringD7
Intentional learningD8
Organized knowledgeD9
Understanding the contents of the learning environmentD10
Basic processing based on basic conceptsD11
Strive to learn moreD12
Content mental reviewD13
Content remindersD14
Practice and repeat contentD15
Bring a reason to learnD16
Visualizing the learning processD17
Guided Activity principalFormulating learning goals and selecting appropriate activitiesE1
Establishing a logical connection between the components of learning elementsE2
Formulating appropriate achievement hypotheses for the learning goalE3
Learning based on multiple questions from peersE4
Problem-based learningE5
Guiding the learning process with the help of the teacherE6
Analysis of the interaction of learning elements and related activitiesE7
Understanding the interaction of learning elements and related activitiesE8

After reviewing and analyzing the results mentioned in the above table, the factors affecting the germane load were identified as follows:

1- Using multimedia: According to this concept, training that employs verbal and visual representations are more likely to lead to meaningful learning and germane load compared to those which only use one of these methods. For example, when verbally teaching different layers of the earth in a Multimedia Principle, it is better to use images as well. The Multimedia Principle is based on the theory of dual codes (15). This theory states that human mental processing includes separate channels for processing visual and verbal materials (16);

2- Personalization: According to this concept, personalized written and spoken verbal messages are more effective in learning. That is, training is presented in a friendly, conversational, and informal way, rather than being formally and informally. The principle of personalization is based on the idea that providing information in an informal and conversational manner promotes the active processing of new information by relating content to the student's own experiences, which in turn results in creating a deeper memory of the learning experience (5);

3- Feedback: According to this concept, giving feedback to learners leads to cognitive processing, which is necessary for a deeper understanding. In fact, according to cognitive learning theory, the effectiveness of the educational Multimedia Principle depends on the relationship between the amount of feedback system and learners' prior knowledge. In other words, feedback during training encourages necessary and reproductive processing by directing learners' attention and organizing new information (15);

4- Thinking: This component is at the heart of the reproductive processing hypothesis. It encourages students to provide explanations or images based on the principle of thinking, which leads to organizing and integrating new information with learners' prior knowledge. In other words, it challenges learners to organize the steps related to the causal chain of events and makes them think in an interactive educational program, which in turn deepen their learning (17);

5- Guided Activity: Guided Activity occurs when learners can interact in learning environments and receive guidance on their actions during learning. Therefore, two ideas of "Interaction" and "Feedback" form the heart of the principle of guided activity. The Guided Activity principle focuses mainly on manipulation and interactive dialogue (17).

4.1. Program Validation

To evaluate the content validity of the germane load-based cognitive rehabilitation program, after the initial design, the images of the designed assignments, along with the scenarios developed for these assignments and additional explanations, were provided to the supervisors and consultants. The findings related to the dimensions, components, and sessions of the cognitive rehabilitation program to evaluate the content validity of the tool are shown in Table 3.

Table 3.

Formal and Content Validity Indicators of the Dimensions and Components of The Rehabilitation Program

DimensionsComponents of the Rehabilitation ProgramAttributesNumber of Cases 4 and 5C.V. RC.V. I
1. ContentContent includes 9 separate tasks of teaching children that have different stages and levels of difficulty.Being exclusive90.80.9
Clarity and transparency80.60.8
Simplicity and fluency90.80.9
2. Learning activityThe child actively interacts with each of the tasks and at the same time acquires games and tasks based on external and intrinsic awareness of the function of the rehabilitation program and its effect on executive functions and problem-solving in the field of learning disabilities during various exercises.Being exclusive80.60.8
Clarity and transparency90.80.9
Simplicity and fluency90.80.9
3. ActivationThe instructor is an expert and master of the program who is the main designer of the rehabilitation program interventions and is responsible for training the instructors following the executive capacities and the level of development of the child.Being exclusive90.80.9
Clarity and transparency90.80.9
Simplicity and fluency1011
4. Learning materials and resourcesComputers include a 9-task learning rehabilitation package that includes all tasks with varying difficulty levels, ranging from 5 to 9 difficulty, that are housed in a computer program and are presented for each session separately.Being exclusive80.60.8
Clarity and transparency90.80.9
Simplicity and fluency90.80.9
5. Learning placeThis program can be implemented in educational and rehabilitation centers, medical centers, homes, and schools.Being exclusive90.80.9
Clarity and transparency90.80.9
Simplicity and fluency90.80.9
6. Learning timeThe program is implemented in three parts. The first part, which includes 16 sessions, contains teaching different tasks in 45-minute sessions.Being exclusive90.80.9
Clarity and transparency90.80.9
Simplicity and fluency1011
7. GroupingThe program runs individually to apply the principles of germane load.Being exclusive90.80.9
Clarity and transparency90.80.9
Simplicity and fluency1011
8. assessmentIn the first stage, the formal validity of the program was reviewed by the members of the panel of experts and their corrective comments were presented.Being exclusive80.60.8
Clarity and transparency80.60.8
Simplicity and fluency90.80.9
9. Abilities and skills acquiredImprovement of executive function skills in the field of inhibition, cognitive flexibility, and working memory, which is manifested in reducing the problems of children with special learning disabilities in the field of memory.Being exclusive90.80.9
Clarity and transparency1011
Simplicity and fluency70.70.8
Table 4.

Formal and Content Validity Indicators of Cognitive Rehabilitation Program Sessions

SessionsContentAttributesNumber of Cases 4 and 5C.V. RC.V. IInterpretation
First SessionEducating and providing information about special learning disabilities for parents as well as explaining the cognitive impairments caused by this disorder, the expression of the cognitive rehabilitation program, and the goals of the programBeing exclusive1011Appropriate
Clarity and transparency90.80.9Appropriate
Simplicity and fluency90.80.9Appropriate
Second sessionInstructing parents about how to interact with the childAttributes80.70.8Appropriate
Being exclusive90.80.9Appropriate
Clarity and transparency70.70.8Appropriate
Third sessionAdditional explanations and receiving feedback from parents to strengthen the parent-child interaction and filling the parent-specific questionnaires.Simplicity and fluency90.80.9Appropriate
Attributes90.80.9Appropriate
Being exclusive1011Appropriate
Fourth sessionDescribing executive functions for children and teaching solutions to deal with executive problems, working memory, inhibition, and updatingClarity and transparency1011Appropriate
Simplicity and fluency90.80.9Appropriate
Attributes90.80.9Appropriate
Fifth sessionReviewing the previous session, teaching working memory tasks (the first step), inhibition (task 1 of the first step)Being exclusive90.80.9Appropriate
Clarity and transparency90.80.9Appropriate
Simplicity and fluency1011Appropriate
Sixth sessionReviewing tasks related to previous sessions to activate memory task training (task 1 of the second step); Inhibition (the task of 1, second and third step)Attributes90.80.9Appropriate
Being exclusive1011Appropriate
Clarity and transparency90.80.9Appropriate
Seventh sessionReviewing tasks mentioned in previous sessions; Updating the training (task 1 of the first step); Inhibition (task 1 of the fourth step)Simplicity and fluency90.80.9Appropriate
Attributes90.80.9Appropriate
Being exclusive90.80.9Appropriate
Eighth sessionReviewing tasks of the previous session; Active memory training (task 1 of the third step); Inhibition (task 1 of the fifth step); Update (task 1 of the second step)Clarity and transparency80.70.8Appropriate
Simplicity and fluency80.70.8Appropriate
Attributes1011Appropriate
Ninth sessionReviewing tasks mentioned in previous sessions; Active memory training (task 1 of the fourth and fifth steps); Inhibition (task 2 of the first step); Update (task 1 of the third step)Being exclusive90.80.9Appropriate
Clarity and transparency90.80.9Appropriate
Simplicity and fluency90.80.9Appropriate
Tenth sessionReviewing tasks mentioned in previous sessions; Active memory training (task 2 of the first and second steps); Inhibition (task 2 of the second and third steps); Update (task 1 of the fourth and fifth steps)Attributes90.80.9Appropriate
Being exclusive80.70.8Appropriate
Clarity and transparency90.80.9Appropriate
Eleventh sessionReviewing tasks mentioned in previous sessions; Active memory training (task 2 of the third step); Inhibition (task 2 of the fourth and fifth steps); Update (task 2 of the first step)Simplicity and fluency80.70.8Appropriate
Attributes90.80.9Appropriate
Being exclusive90.80.9Appropriate
Twelfth sessionReviewing tasks mentioned in previous sessions; Active memory training (task 2 of the fourth and fifth steps); Inhibition (task 3 of the first step); Update (task 2 of the second step)Clarity and transparency1011Appropriate
Simplicity and fluency80.70.8Appropriate
Attributes80.70.8Appropriate
Thirteenth sessionReviewing tasks mentioned in previous sessions; Active memory training (task 3 of the first step); Inhibition (task 3 of the second and third steps); Update (task 2 of the third and fourth steps)Being exclusive80.70.8Appropriate
Clarity and transparency90.80.9Appropriate
Simplicity and fluency90.80.9Appropriate
Fourteenth sessionReviewing tasks mentioned in previous sessions; Active memory training (task 3 of the second and third steps); Inhibition (task 3 of the fourth step); Update (task 2 of the fifth and sixth steps)Attributes90.80.9Appropriate
Being exclusive90.80.9Appropriate
Clarity and transparency80.70.8Appropriate
Fifteenth sessionReviewing tasks mentioned in previous sessions; Active memory training (task 3 of the fourth and fifth steps); Inhibition (task 3 of the fifth step); Update (task 3 of the first step)Simplicity and fluency90.80.9Appropriate
Attributes90.80.9Appropriate
Being exclusive90.80.9Appropriate
Sixteenth sessionReviewing tasks mentioned in previous sessions; Active memory training (all three tasks of); Inhibition (task 3 of the sixth step); Update (task 3 of the second and third steps)Clarity and transparency90.80.9Appropriate
Simplicity and fluency80.70.8Appropriate
Attributes1011Appropriate
Seventeenth sessionReviewing tasks mentioned in previous sessions; Training of active memory tasks (the task, step); Update (task 3 of the fourth and fifth steps)Being exclusive90.80.9Appropriate
Clarity and transparency90.80.9Appropriate
Simplicity and fluency80.70.8Appropriate
Eighteenth sessionReviewing tasks mentioned in previous sessions; Preparation for termination of treatmentAttributes90.80.9Appropriate
Being exclusive90.80.9Appropriate
Clarity and transparency80.70.8Appropriate

Based on the results, the minimum and maximum values of the relative content validity index (CVI) for each item or component of the program were 0.8 and 1, respectively. The minimum and maximum content validity index (CVR) for each article or program component were 0.7 and 1, respectively. According to Hyrkas, Appelqvist-Schmidlechner, and Oksa (2003), materials with a score higher than 0.79 are suitable, between 0.70 - 0.79 need revision and less than 0.7 are unacceptable and should be removed. Hence, in the present study, all materials are suitable. Therefore, the germane load-based cognitive rehabilitation program has acceptable content validity for educational and clinical purposes.

5. Discussion

This study intended to design, develop, and evaluate a germane load-based cognitive rehabilitation program for students with special learning disabilities. To achieve this goal, first, we systematically reviewed the theoretical foundations and research background regarding the germane load. Moreover, experts' opinions were also obtained to design the intended rehabilitation program. The identified themes were summarized following the principles of germane load reinforcement, proposed by Mir and Moreno (2010), which includes the principle of multimedia principle, personalization, guided activity, feedback, and thinking. The principle of multimedia is based on the theory of dual encryption (15), which is based on the idea that different encryption systems (such as those used for words and images) reinforce each other. According to the CTML dual-channel hypothesis, humans have separate channels for processing visual and verbal materials (16). The personalization principle states that personalized information are more effective in learning (i.e. presented in a slang, friendly, and informal way), compared to when presented in a serious and formal way (18). The feedback principle states that providing feedback during learning leads to cognitive processing for deeper understanding and that learning effectiveness depends on the relationship between the amount of feedback given and the learner's prior knowledge (15). The principle of thinking and reasoning is at the heart of germane's productive processing hypothesis and methods of increasing the load. This principle states that the learner's deep thinking and cognitive engagement with learning content lead to a deeper understanding of information (17). According to the cognitive load theory, reproductive processing increases the cognitive load, but the load that results from cognitive activities related to schema acquisition and automation. According to the CLT, the germane cognitive load is the only type of load that should be increased during learning because it "participates with learning rather than interfering with" (7). Accordingly, Mir and Moreno (2010) argued that the germane load is a cognitive processing that is useful for learning and refers to working memory resources that are directly allocated to learning-related information (intrinsic cognitive loading rather than external cognitive loading) (19). It can be achieved by challenging or encouraging the learner to try to understand the materials and involves the learner's deep understanding of the material through engagement in the cognitive processes of organization and coherence. Germane load, which is the key to build new schemas and automate schemas, serves this mechanism (7). Automating learned content not only can overcome the limitations of working memory but also can enhance learning. The educational designer should increase this type of cognitive load in the educational content s/he designs as much as possible (20). Thus, it can be argued that effective teaching methods encourage learners to invest in the relevant cognitive load to construct the design. This study also showed that the cognitive rehabilitation program has good content validity and is suitable for educational and clinical purposes. One of the most important steps in developing a standard educational or psychological program is gaining content validity. Research findings on the content validity of items or different parts of the program from the perspective of accreditation panel experts indicated their necessity as well as appropriateness (relevance, clarity, and simplicity). In other words, experts in their assessment believed that this program can be used for cognitive rehabilitation of children with learning disabilities. Cognitive rehabilitation is broadly defined as a systematic intervention designed to compensate for or improving the impact of cognitive or behavioral problems following a neurological injury or illness to maximize safety as well as enhancing daily functioning, independence, and quality of life. Intervention can include cognitive, behavioral, or pharmacological approaches. In the present study, cognitive interventions were targeted. The effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation in children with various disorders, such as learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and ABI is well-documented by several studies (9, 21-23). Due to changes in cognitive skills and functional expectations that commonly occur in developing children, to ensure the effective interventions designed for children with neurological disorders, they should vary depending on age and developmental level. In the present study, the designed assignments had different levels of difficulty to increase the ability and motivation of learners to interact with these assignments, which in turn causes improved skills of students with disabilities. Designing educational materials to help people with learning disabilities is a complex and challenging task. However, we believe that having a deep understanding of principles necessary for designing supportive programs is of crucial importance for developing learning technologies. Our literature review revealed several educational principles on cognitive load theory that can be leveraged to help people with special learning disabilities (24). Students with learning disabilities often exhibit unique cognitive processing and features of working memory that may not be consistent with the principles of educational instructional design developed by ordinary learners. The distinguishing feature of students with special learning disabilities from other developmental disorders and academic problems is that these individuals show a much more severe Academic failure as academic material become more difficult and they pass from one educational level to another. This gap even is larger for students in high school age and above, which increases the risk of behavioral outbursts, severe academic failure, and dropout (25). Therefore, using cognitive rehabilitation programs is highly useful for avoiding academic failure and dropout of these students in the early years of education. The present study had limitations including only investigating students with learning disabilities in the second and third grades of elementary school. Hence, caution should be taken when generalizing the results to other students. Moreover, due to the Covid-19 outbreak, we faced challenges for following-up participants and even some participants refused to continue the study. Also, the duration of the follow-up period was reduced to avoid further dropouts of participants. Due to these limitations, it is recommended that the germane load-based cognitive rehabilitation program be considered as a comprehensive and approved program intended to improve the cognitive skills of students with special learning disabilities in educational and rehabilitation centers for special learning disabilities, as well as clinical and research work.

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