MATH MODULES –
By mid-elementary school, some children have completely lost interest in learning math. Although there are multiple causes for disinterest and frustration, the most obvious is that students experience great difficulties in learning the mathematical concepts. Two conditions affect their inability to learn: failure of instruction in school and children’s specific cognitive deficiencies. The good news is that scientific research has introduced various rules and tools to help. This manual applies some of those rules and tools as it seeks to strengthen children’s foundations of mathematical concepts. Furthermore, it proposes remedial methods guided by research.
Modules for Math targets basic math skills and includes training programs that are expected to improve them. The conceptual framework of this manual is not the only one that may be valid; consider it as a reasonable approach that gives a rational base for remedial programs. Mathematics and science have come to have an undeniable importance in today’s society. It will be a great pity if a significant amount of children fail to develop an interest and ability due to early experiences of failure. Often, these types of experiences lead to anxiety, fear of punishment and poor self confidence in mathematics. Current reputable books on math learning include The Mathematical Brain (Butterworth), Number Sense (Dehane), and insightful studies on how children do mathematics (Nunes & Bryant). There is a paradigm shift in regarding ‘intelligence’ and ‘ability’ as malleable rather than stable traits throughout an individual’s life. A child’s first attempt on an intelligence or standardized test is not a ‘true’ measure of his or her potential. As advocated by Vygotsky, the modules in this program allow ample opportunity for discovery, creativity and learning in collaboration with others.
