Dsycalculia : Difficulties in Mathematics Learning

 

The main areas of difficulties in Mathematics learning can be classified as follows:

1.       Arithmetical Difficulty- This is the most common problem we face on a day to day basis. Children face difficulty not just while sitting in a classroom but also in their day to day life. If I ask how much 4+2 is, the answer should pop up immediately instead of the child having to calculate. Similar calculation issues greatly hamper Math learning.

2.       Concept based difficulties- These can occur at any stage of learning due to introduction of new topics and have been dealt with separately at each stage. Usually till grade 5, Math is mainly computational after which a child needs to apply greater Logical and deductive skills to understand Math. Also Different topics like Integers, 3-d Geometry, Algebra, Commercial Math; each of these requires a different type of understanding.

3.       Difficulty with operations- Although BODMAS seems like one of the easiest concepts but proves to be one of the most complicated principles to work with for the students. Students have to be repeatedly reminded to follow the BODMAS order.

4.       Mathematical Symbols- Algebra is one the most difficult concept to teach at that age and one of the most difficult for children to absorb. All the variables completely change the language. Symbols not just in Algebra but also >,<,~,±,√,≤,≥,∞,  etc must be learnt properly

5.       Difficulty with mathematical language- Often times what is written in English gets muddled up in translating it to Mathematical form known as equations. A good example is the following statement, “Amit deposits an amount of Rs.5000 in the bank……” Statement calls Rs.5000 as the Amount whereas in Mathematics it is called the Principal while Amount will be Principal + Interest.

6.       Visual –Spatial Difficulties- Geometry has the potential to be the most interesting concept but a large number of student struggle after the initial classes as a lot of imagination is required  to  conjure up the image of say a Dodecahedron or  octagonal pyramid. Hands on practical usage, model designing activities and good computer software can go a long way in providing the missing link in this area.

7.       Memory- Being able to take in and recall facts plays a very important role in learning not just in Mathematics. More specifically being able to memorize Multiplication table, formulae, etc. are important in developing Mathematical skills. Repeated and focused practice is an effective remedy for memorizing.

8.       Measurements- Being able to make a fair assessment of the time elapsed or distance and their estimation in various units like cm, km, inch as also the estimation of the angles. Extensive use of mathematical instruments such as rulers, measuring cups, protractor, etc. plays an important role in making these assessments.

Of course there are many other aspects of learning difficulties in the subject which, like I mentioned ,  might be psychological , social, familial, etc. in nature which might directly or indirectly affect the above mentioned problems.

Dyscalculia : Math learning disability

 

Fear of Math-Dyscalculia

Times are changing but we continue to churn out students which suited the needs of the Raj era when Indians were given modern education (or were made literate) to provide clerks for the British offices. But is that what we need today?

Government apathy and teacher’s reluctance to change has played a major role in reducing our education system to the deplorable state which is totally mark based and a direct and most immediate impact is seen on Math understanding and result. As all of us present here can vouch that the earliest signs of a child not doing well academically is reflected first and foremost in Math grades which results in disinterest and consequently fear of the subject.

Fear of Math is something very common. We are all aware that it exists but as it has been there since times immemorial and it is so wide spread that even though we talk about it and express our concerns in this regard, there seems to be very little serious effort put in to address the issue. While researching for my topic I was looking for effective and standard test for assessing Dyscalculia which comes under the heading of “learning difficulties”. Many a times its symptoms overlap with that of Dyslexia so diagnosis becomes a tricky matter. But while there is a virtual deluge of material on dyslexia and enough standard tests and established remedies to treat it, there were hardly any such material for Dyscalculia. A few online tests are available  which screen Dyscalculia on an elementary basis but a detailed analysis is still not available easily.

Why is it so? It is my personal opinion that a large number of people who understand numbers consider the one who don’t as being inferior to them. A very popular conception is that probably “math is just not their thing” and the matter rests there. Nothing more can be done. While it might be true in a small percentage of people but us as teachers, we cannot and should not generalize.

Crossword Puzzle 1

Fun Math exercise for junior school students: