Math Learning Disability

Types of Math Learning Disabilities
Math learning disability can be mild, mediocre or very severe. Difficulty in memorizing number facts, arithmetic weakness or severe lack of math talent, not understanding the math language, lack of spatial ability to understand math, problems in understanding content from reference books and study material are some of the math-based learning disabilities.

Memorizing Number Facts
Almost all students facing learning disability are unable to remember basic facts of algebra and arithmetics. Some students can't do simple operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication and division which are the basics of Mathematics. Some are even unable to solve simple problems like 5+5=? quickly. Students with learning disabilities literally count on their fingers to answer these questions. Memorizing the basics of algebra is necessary as one cannot learn the advanced topics without them.

Teachers and parents should avoid comparing the disabled child with other bright children. Such children require a lot of motivation and special attention along with classroom training. Teachers can make math lessons interesting by using attractive pictures, symbols, charts, riddles and puzzles. Students should be allowed to use the charts and pictures till they get their concepts cleared. After the initial training is over, it is expected that students solve their assignments without referring to the study material. Teachers should take students for outdoor classes to give them practical experience. Children will learn fast if school arranges competitions like elementary math games and quiz. The strong desire to win the prize will automatically stimulate the students to think fast and correct. Importance should be given to games and sports as they will help to increase concentration and dedication.

Arithmetic Weakness/Severe Lack of Math Talent
Some students are good in understanding concepts, but very poor when it comes to computing. They make silly mistakes in the basic operations and end up getting very less marks. Calculating answers using the fundamentals of math is as important as remembering the formulas and theorems. The final answer will be correct only if the calculation part is done properly. Arithmetic weakness arises due to two reasons - lack of practice and laziness to solve the problem completely. Teachers can help students solve these difficulties by conducting practice sessions on a regular basis. Students should be asked to monitor themselves to check out the improvement. Patience and presence of mind are the keys to avoid calculation mistakes. Teachers need to inculcate these values in the disabled students.

Difficulty in Understanding Math Language
Language ignorance is the biggest barrier in learning Math. One should be able to interpret the language in the question correctly before deciding the action to solve it. Wrong interpretation of question will naturally lead to the wrong answer. Teachers should slow down the pace of teaching and communicate with students after every concept. Students should be asked to explain the logic behind the answers verbally to improve their language skills. Students with language learning disability avoid interacting in the classrooms with the fear of being laughed at or punished for giving wrong answers. They should be counseled to bring out the best in them.

Difficulty in Understanding Concepts of Math
Spatial ability is essential to understand mathematical concepts. Students with math learning disability lack this ability. These students find it difficult to interpret diagrams and pictures. Dysfunction in the right hemisphere of brain is the root cause of this problem. One can develop his/her spatial ability by extensive reading and research.

Difficulty in Grasping Content From Reference/Text Books
Half knowledge is always dangerous. Many students have weak fundamentals which make it difficult to read and learn from reference books and texts. Such students should be given notes which are easy to understand.

Information on Dyscalculia
Dyscalculia is a math learning disability which is either hereditary or is caused due to faulty brain development. Many students around the world who suffer from this disorder have poor mathematical skills. Such students are believed to be less intelligent than others which is not the case. If a child is diagnosed with this disability, the parents can request the school authorities to take more efforts while teaching the child. There is no specific treatment available to cure this disability but counseling may help to some extent.

Research states that around 6% of school going children have math learning disabilities. If you have math based learning disabilities, do not be discouraged as it can be overcome by determination and the willingness to work hard for success.