Teaching maths to students with learning differences
Maths can be a challenging subject for many students, and every student will engage with your class content in different ways. We need to help them see that maths is fascinating, how it affects everyday life and how it continually shapes the world we live in.
Why do students face challenges in maths?
Students with learning differences can face challenges in maths, but with the right support, they can succeed. There are many different learning differences that can impact a student's ability to learn maths, such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, and ADHD. By understanding the specific learning differences of each student, teachers can provide the most effective support.
Understanding Dyslexia and Dyscalculia
Dyslexia is a learning difference that primarily affects reading and language skills, but it can also impact the understanding of maths. Students with dyslexia may struggle with recognising numbers, sequencing, and understanding maths symbols. Dyscalculia, on the other hand, is a specific learning disability that makes it challenging to understand and work with numbers. Individuals with dyscalculia might find it difficult to grasp basic maths concepts, memorise multiplication tables, and understand abstract maths ideas.
Dyscalculia and Maths
Dyscalculia is a specific learning disability that affects a person's ability to understand and work with numbers. Individuals with dyscalculia may struggle with number sense, arithmetic operations, spatial reasoning, and mathematical concepts. It is important to recognise that dyscalculia is not a reflection of intelligence but rather a neurological difference in processing maths information.
Dyslexia and maths
Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that affects a person's ability to read, spell, and process language. Students with dyslexia may face challenges with decoding symbols, recognising patterns, and organising information. Dyslexia primarily affects reading and language skills, but the challenges faced by a student with dyslexia are more wide-reaching, they can also have an impact on how a student learns and understands mathematics.
Strategies for teaching students with learning differences in maths
Not a one size-fits-all approach is appropriate in today’s diverse classroom. When planning our math lessons, it’s crucial that we provide multiple representations of mathematical concepts. This means using a variety of methods to explain and illustrate math concepts, such as using visual aids, hands-on activities, and real-world examples.
- Break down complex maths problems into smaller steps. This can make problems seem less daunting and help students to understand the steps involved in solving them.
- Provide explicit instruction on maths skills. This means teaching students the specific skills they need to be successful in maths, such as how to add, subtract, multiply, and divide.
- Use a variety of teaching methods. Not all students learn in the same way, so it's important to use a variety of teaching methods, such as direct instruction, problem solving, and cooperative learning.
- Provide regular feedback. Students need regular feedback in order to know how they are doing and how they can improve. This feedback can be provided through formal assessments, informal assessments, and student-teacher conferences.
Webinar Series & An introduction to dyscalculia
Originally recorded as part of our Mission Maths series, both of these sessions will give you an insight to teaching maths to students with dyslexia and dyscalculia.
Supporting dyslexic students with maths: Many pupils who live with dyslexia face challenges with maths, just as they would in literacy. In this session you’ll increase your understanding of how to best support pupils with dyslexia into the world of maths.
An introduction to dyscalculia: This session provides an introduction to dyscalculia and discuss strategies for supporting learners.
What's next?
The importance of teaching maths
We delve into the importance of teaching maths and how it influences every aspect of our lives, from personal finances to scientific discoveries.
Making Maths Engaging
We explore strategies that make maths captivating for students, transforming the once-dreaded subject into an exciting and approachable adventure.
Promoting Equity in the Maths Classroom
Equity is at the core of our educational philosophy, and we delve into creating a maths classroom that embraces diversity and fosters inclusivity.