Although most people have heard of dyslexia, dyscalculia is much less well-known, even though it is a learning disability that affects learning math. Dyscalculia, which is a specific form of mathematical learning disability, makes it difficult for children and adults to learn, understand, and perform basic arithmetic functions that are the foundations of mathematics and the key to success in other academic activities.
Teaching math to those with dyscalculia is not an impossibility, but requires a focused teaching plan and innovative approaches to help confront their disability and raise their achievement level.
1: Understand Dyscalculia
The first step in teaching math to someone with dyscalculia is understanding the nature and characteristics of this disorder. Dyscalculia is a neurological disorder that affects the individual’s ability to solve numerical functions and interpret mathematical operations.
People with dyscalculia may benefit more from visual and verbal instruction, as well as alternative types of learning that involve less number-crunching and memorization.
2: Evaluate Skills
Once the student and the teacher both understand the condition, they can work together to carry out a basic assessment of number skills, including working memory, verbal calculation, visuo-spatial, and symbolic representation. This assessment establishes a reference point and a baseline from which to measure the student’s numerical achievements and increases in mathematical ability over time.
3: Create a Learning Plan
The teacher needs to create an individualized learning plan for the dyscalculic student. This should be tailored to the student’s skills and include criteria that can measure progress, thus promoting the development of mathematical fluency.
The plan should also incorporate multiple teaching strategies. For example, rather than just using manually-based teaching methods, using visual means for instruction may be more effective in helping the student with dyscalculia understand and solve mathematical operations.
4: Implement Structure and Organization
When teaching math to a dyscalculic student, keeping the instruction as organized and structured as possible helps the student to process information. Start by breaking down a mathematical task or problem into smaller elements, and then gradually blend them together until the student can complete the entire operation. Introducing graphic organizers and visual representations of mathematical processes can help the student to inject structure and make sense of the problem.
5: Model the Mathematics
Modeling can be a great tool to help dyscalculic students understand math. When students get stuck on a problem, the teacher can demonstrate the math while the student follows along. This provides the student with concrete examples of the math and allows them to observe different approaches to the same problem.
6: Utilize Natural Strengths
Dyscalculic students may have natural strengths and interests in areas such as art or computer science. Teachers can harness these areas to give students the confidence to tackle mathematics. For example, encourage the student to use graphics and diagrams to explain mathematical operations or to use technology to help teach or work out mathematical equations.
7: Provide Technical Assistance
The use of technology is especially helpful when teaching math to those with dyscalculia. For example, calculators can be used to help students do basic operations such as calculating percentages and fractions.
Other technologies that may be helpful for teaching math to those with dyscalculia are apps, software, and computer programs that can sequentially step the student through equations and provide feedback about their progress.
8: Incorporate Games and Puzzles
Using games and puzzles is a fun and effective way to help dyscalculic students understand mathematical operations. By introducing themed games and puzzles, the student can practice fundamental mathematical operations while also having fun.
Games and puzzles provide an informal and engaging environment that can help students build confidence.
9: Encourage Creative Thinking
Teaching the dyscalculic student how to use problem-solving and creative thinking can help them work through difficult problems. By helping the student to think outside of the box when working through math problems, they can discover alternate solutions to problems or come up with new strategies to solve equations.
10: Create a Positive Learning Environment
Creating a positive learning environment for the student is essential for helping them overcome their mathematic disabilities. Making sure the student feels supported and encouraged is key, particularly if the student does not have a supportive home environment.
11: Utilize Support
In addition to providing mentorship and support in the classroom, teachers should also utilize outside resources such as special tutors or one-on-one instruction. Working with a tutor or one-on-one provides an opportunity for the student to focus on their individual strengths and weaknesses.
12: Monitor and Assess Progress
Teachers need to consistently and regularly monitor and assess the student’s progress. Develop and incorporate assessment techniques such as written tests or oral reviews to gauge the student’s understanding of mathematical concepts.
13: Keep Up with Development
As students grow older, they may be affected by changes in brain development or hormones. Teachers should keep up with the student’s developmental stage, and adjust the instructional approach accordingly.
Conclusion
Teaching math to those with dyscalculia is not an easy task, but it can be done if the teacher follows some important steps. Understanding the condition and evaluating the student’s skills are essential first steps.
Establishing structure and organization, modeling the math, utilizing natural strengths, providing technical assistance, incorporating games and puzzles, encouraging creative thinking, creating a positive learning environment, utilizing support, and monitoring and assessing progress are important strategies that can help any teacher teach math to those with dyscalculia. Taking the time to understand dyscalculia and the steps needed to help those with the disability can make all the difference.