Mathematics Difficulties

What Can Stand in the Way ofa Student’s Mathematical Development?Math difficulties can arise at nearly any stage of a child’s scholastic development. While very little is known about the neurobiological or environmental causes of these problems, many experts attribute them to weaknesses in one or more of the skill types listed below. These weaknesses can exist independently of one another or can occur in combination. All can impact a child’s ability to progress in mathematics.1. Incomplete mastery of number factsNumber facts (e.g., 9 + 3 = 12 or 2 x 4 = 8) are the basic computations students are required to memorize in the earliest grades of elementary school. Recalling these facts efficiently is critical because it allows a student to approach more advanced mathematical thinking without being bogged down by simple calculations.>Try it yourself. Experience a problem with basic facts.2. Computational weaknessMany students compute inconsistently. Despite a good understanding of mathemati...