This lesson introduces dyscalculia, explains how it can affect learning arithmetic, and describes common early signs.
Dyscalculia is a learning disorder that makes it difficult to learn or understand arithmetic. It can affect understanding numbers, numeracy, manipulating numbers, performing calculations, and learning mathematical facts. In the United Kingdom, it is classified as a specific learning difficulty. It is sometimes informally called math dyslexia, although dyscalculia is not simply dyslexia applied to mathematics.
All flashcards
What is dyscalculia?
A learning disorder affecting the development or use of arithmetic and other numerical skills.
What is subitizing?
Recognizing the number of objects in a small group at a glance, without counting them one by one.
What does the magnitude representation hypothesis propose?
That difficulty precisely representing numerical quantities may contribute to dyscalculia.
What does the access deficit hypothesis propose?
That approximate quantities may be understood, but difficult to connect with symbolic numerals.
What are concrete manipulatives in mathematics instruction?
Objects learners can move, compare, and group to make numerical quantities more tangible.
Quiz questions
What does the access deficit hypothesis propose about number processing?Answer: Approximate quantities may be understood, but linking them to written numerals may be difficult.
What is one reason brain imaging is not ordinarily used as a routine dyscalculia diagnostic criterion?Answer: It is costly and time-consuming, and diagnosis requires assessment of mathematical performance and broader needs.
In a four-year study using a stringent TEMA-2 cutoff, what proportion of children diagnosed at some point met the criterion for at least two years?Answer: About 65%.
What conclusion is justified by reported success of tutoring for children with generalized mathematical learning difficulties?Answer: That success in this broader group does not establish effectiveness for dyscalculia specifically.
A learner knows which operation a problem requires but makes errors while carrying it out. Which interpretation fits the notes?Answer: The errors may reflect difficulty processing or keeping track of numbers, not carelessness alone.
Based on the Wikipedia article Dyscalculia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.