I was going through my computer files to see what I can use for my teaching portfolio! I came across this research paper! A common misconception is that Dyscalculia is the math version on Dyslexia when in reality they are both their own disorder. If you are interested I can link my portfolio when I am done! (If I can find my paper I Dyslexia I will post that later)
Research Topic Prewriting Worksheet
Complete the basic background information on your topic and collect sources.
Topic: Dyscalculia
Define: Dyscalculia is a specialized learning disability in math. Students with dyscalculia have difficulty understanding basic number concepts or symbols. Dyscalculia is a common learning issue that makes it hard for students to learn math and also do day to day activities like balancing a check book, or managing money, or estimating when you will get somewhere for instance if you told me I was driving 60 miles an hour how long would it take me to go 60 miles? I would say one hour but for someone with Dyscalculia it might be difficult.
Characteristics: A lifelong condition. As common as dyslexia but not as much is known about it. Have problems with number sense: can’t recognize that 4 is four. People with dyscalculia have trouble with even the most basic math functions like which is bigger or less than. Sometimes called math dyslexia but that is misleading because they are two separate issues.
Background/causes/development: The cause of dyscalculia is unknown for sure but some factors that have been proven to have some effect are: genes, it runs in families, brain development, is has also been linked to fetal alcohol syndrome, and it has also been linked to brain injury.
Effects on cognitive or physical development: People with dyscalculia have problems just counting making academics harder. It also makes it harder for people with this disorder in their professional lives.
Is behavior affected and how: Some problems to look for in children:
- Have difficulty recognizing numbers
- Be delayed in learning to count
- Struggle to connect numerical symbols (5) with their corresponding words (five)
- Have difficulty recognizing patterns and placing things in order
- Lose track when counting
- Need to use visual aids — like fingers — to help count
- And as math becomes a major part of the school day, kids with dyscalculia are likely to:
- Have significant difficulty learning basic math functions like addition and subtraction, times tables and more
- Be unable to grasp the concepts behind word problems and other non-numerical math calculations
- Have difficulty estimating how long it will take to complete a task
- Struggle with math homework assignments and tests
- Have difficulty keeping at grade-level in math
- Struggle to process visual-spatial ideas like graphs and charts
The types of things people with dyscalculia have problems with:
- Remembering numbers such as zip codes, phone numbers, or game scores
- Money matters
- Have difficulty judging the length of distances and how long it will take to get from one location to another
- Struggle to remember directions
- Have a hard time telling left from right
- Get easily frustrated by games that require consistent score keeping, number strategies or counting
- Have difficulty reading clocks and telling time
Research backed treatment strategies: No known treatments but you can help someone with dyscalculia:
- § Using concrete examples that connect math to real life.
- Using visual aids when solving problems.
- Using graph paper to help keep numbers lined up.
- Using an extra piece of paper to cover up most of what’s on a math sheet or test so your child can focus on one problem at a time.
- Be as helpful as you can be.
In the public eye (stereotypes and stigmas): Stupid or math dyslexia
Educational resources and instructional support strategies for teaching and learning:
- Using concrete examples that connect math to real life.
- Using visual aids when solving problems.
- Using graph paper to help keep numbers lined up.
- Using an extra piece of paper to cover up most of what’s on a math sheet or test so your child can focus on one problem at a time.
- Be as helpful as you can be.
Sources in APA format: Team, U. (n.d.). Understanding Dyscalculia. April 18, 2019, from https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/dyscalculia/understanding-dyscalculia#item6
Rubinsten, O. (2015). Developmental Dyscalculia: A Cognitive Neuroscience Perspective. Brain Disorders & Therapy, 04(04). doi:10.4172/2168-975x.1000190
Jacobson, R., & Child Mind Institute. (n.d.). How to Spot Dyscalculia. April 18, 2019, from https://childmind.org/article/how-to-spot-dyscalculia/
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