"How the Brain Learns Mathematics"

"I can't do the math. I am not a math person."

"I solve problems correctly one day but can't remember how to do it the next day."

"Why do I need to know these concepts?"

These are just a few examples of the complaints that Math teachers and parents hear from their kids. These complaints are common and often reflect a lack of understanding of how the brain learns math. However, there is hope for students who struggle with math. By understanding the cognitive processes involved in math learning, teachers and parents can provide effective strategies to help students succeed in math. One valuable resource for gaining this understanding is the book "How the Brain Learns Mathematics" by Dr. David Sousa.

"How the Brain Learns Mathematics" by Dr. David Sousa is a comprehensive guide that presents the findings of recent research on the brain and mathematics learning. Dr. Sousa delves into the neuroscience and cognitive psychology behind math learning to provide a deep understanding of how the brain processes math concepts. He focuses on the importance of giving meaning, making connections during learning processes, and using a variety of teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles. In addition, he offers practical strategies for improving math instruction and provides guidance on the effective way to use technology.

One of the key takeaways from the book is its focus on how to address math anxiety in students. Dr. Sousa explains the cognitive and emotional factors that contribute to math anxiety and provides strategies for reducing anxiety and increasing math confidence.

While reading the book, I found that it provides insightful responses to many of the common complaints that students make about math. Here are a couple of examples.

When a student says, "I can't do the math. I am not a math person," it is essential for teachers to know, that "most of us have the potential to be a lot better at arithmetic and mathematics than we think." This is because we are born with number sense, which is a foundation for mathematical thinking. Other students say: “My parents told me that I am not a Math person and I don’t have Logical/Mathematical intelligence, just like them.” Well, it is crucial to know that although the number sense is the innate beginning of mathematical intelligence, however, the extent to which it becomes an individual’s major talent still rests with the type and strength of the genetic input and the environment in which the individual grows and learns. The availability of appropriate materials and the value of any particular culture will thus have a significant impact on the degree to which specific types of intelligence are activated, developed, or discouraged.???

?Another common complaint from students is that they struggle with larger numbers and long operations, and many adults have difficulty with these as well. Teachers should know that "our development as a species did not prepare the brain for multiplication tables, complicated algorithms, or any other formal mathematics operations because these operations are not essential to our species' survival." In other words, to do arithmetic, we need to recruit mental circuits that developed for different reasons.

Lastly, the famous students’ complaint is “Why do I need to know these concepts?” Well, if we, as educators, cannot answer the question, “Why do we need to know this?” in a way that is meaningful to students, then we need to rethink why we are teaching that item at all.

To end with, by understanding the cognitive processes involved in math learning and the reasons for common student complaints, educators can better address their students' needs and help them succeed in math. This is just one example of the valuable insights that can be gained from reading "How the Brain Learns Mathematics" by Dr. David Sousa. Therefore, if you want to deepen your understanding of how the brain processes math concepts, improve math instruction, and understand how the brain works concerning learning math, I highly recommend reading this book.

Enjoy reading, and looking forward that you sharing your thoughts and new learning.