Mathematical learning is an extremely complex process that requires a child to integrate and access a variety of different cognitive functions. These include the following:

1.) Visual-spatial perception:

• The ability to recognize that an object has invariant properties such as shape, position, and size
• The ability to perceive the spatial relationships among objects (e.g. up, down, near, far)

2.) Memory:

• Short-term memory: the ability to retain information immediately after it has been presented
• Working memory: the ability to retain and retrieve information while working on multi-step processes
• Long-term memory: the ability to retain and retrieve information over a long period of time Temporal-sequential: the ability to retain and retrieve narrative, numerical, visual, auditory, and/or movement sequences

• 3.) Language Processing:
• Receptive language: the ability to understand spoken language
• Expressive language: the ability to express thoughts fluently and clearly in words
• Reading comprehension: the ability to understand printed text

4.) Abstract Reasoning:

• The ability to identify and understand essential numerical and algorithmic concepts that are the basis of such activities as counting, addition, and subtraction
• The ability to recognize patterns
• The ability to sort and categorize information according to a specified criteria

<3> 5.) Executive Function:

• The ability to identify the steps needed to perform a task, sequence and prioritize the steps, and allocate the appropriate amount of time and attention to each task

6.) Graphomotor:

• The ability to write/copy words, shapes, and/or numerical symbols clearly and quickly

 

Last updated 03.19.07

This page overseen by The Web Team (ML)

Questions, comments: E-mail