Learning Strategies For Math Disabilities
Children and adults who have math disabilities are usually diagnosed with Dyscalculia, a disability where the patient is unable to understand or complete mathematical problems. Some symptoms of dyscalculia may include the frustration with multiplication, division, or other problems. Because many people affected by dyscalculia cannot solve even simple math equations, then they are not able to graduate to complex mathematical concepts and problems.
Students who have dyscalculia or another learning disability that affects their math skills have a very difficult time learning academic material throughout their schooling career. From kindergarten to college graduation, students can continuously struggle and do badly in their math classes if they do not receive some type of assistance. For individuals who are unaware that they have a learning disability, this can be a great struggle. They know that they cannot do their classwork alone; however many simply do not know how to ask for help, where to ask for it, or they are often too proud or embarrassed to ask for assistance.
Luckily for many students and adults that havemath disabilities, there are educators and medical professionals available that specialize in learning strategies that can help. These professionals are often placed in schools, academic learning centers, and non-profit organizations that offer assistance to those with learning disabilities (besides dyscalculia, this may include dyslexia, autism, and other cognitive disabilities).
Learning strategies that may help those who struggle with math concepts and problems may include different learning methods that make more sense and are easier to follow. Often, those with cognitive disabilities cannot comprehend 'why' things (such as math problems) are done the way that they are; learning exercises can help explain and teach the 'logic' behind the required steps to complete a problem.
Some learning strategies that may help teachers and other professionals in turn help their students include the following:
- Extra test and assignment time given to the student: often, a student with math disabilities may feel pressured and need extra time in order to complete their assignment or test effectively. It may be best for the student to do their classwork and exams away from their fellow students. This will help them concentrate.
- Giving a different assignment: educators may find that students struggling with math may do better with a modified assignment that is different from the rest of the class. This may mean that the assignment has fewer problems or the instructions are different.
- Approval of the use of a calculator: depending on the level of math that is being taken, a calculator may greatly help a student with their math classwork.
- Regular review on concepts: a few days after a new concept or chapter is taught in class, the classroom teacher or special education educator should review them with the student. This will remind them of what they've learned and how it needs to be applied to their classwork.
There are many more learning strategies that can be implemented in the classroom and beyond in order to make a student with a math disability excel in the classroom. Again, an experienced medical professional will know how to handle the situation.
