Full Description
There are many factors that can contribute to the learning difficulties children and adults have with mathematics. These include poor working memory, difficulties in retrieving so-called `basic' facts and the ability to remember and apply formulas and procedures correctly. This highly practical teacher resource is for anyone who would like to accurately and effectively identify dyscalculia amongst their pupils. Written in an engaging and user-friendly style, Steve Chinn draws on his extensive experience and expertise andshows how to consider all the factors relating to mathematical learning difficultiesexplains how these factors can be investigatedexplores their impact on learningdiscusses and provides a range of tests ranging from pre-requisite skills such as working memory to a critique of normative tests for mathematics knowledge and skills. The book will guide the reader in the interpretation of tests, emphasising the need for a clinical approach when assessing individuals, and shows how diagnosis and assessment can become part of everyday teaching. This resource also includes pragmatic tests which can be implemented in the classroom, and shows how identifying the barriers is the first step in setting up any programme of intervention.
Contents
1. Introduction- Dyscalculia, Mathematics Learning Difficulties and the Test Protocol: How the protocol is designed around our understanding of maths learning difficulties and dyscalculia. 2. Diagnosis, Assessment and Teaching: The benefits of interlinking 3. The Dyscalculia Checklist: 31 characteristics that can lead to maths failure 4. Starting the Assessment/Diagnosis: Introducing low stress informal activities that provide diagnostic information 5. Short Term Memory and Working Memory: Two key underlying skills that influence learning. 6. Tests of basic facts - Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division: Their role in maths learning difficulties and dyscalculia. 7. Mathematics Anxiety: A standardised test to explore Which topics and activities create anxiety? 8. The 15 Minute Norm-referenced Mathematics Test: A test of Basic computations and algebra designed to compare performances for ages 7 to 59 years 9. Errors and the 15 Minute Mathematics Test: Recognising and understanding common error patterns. 10. Thinking (Cognitive) Style: How learners think through maths problems 11. Estimation: A key maths life skill to help develop more confidence with maths. 12. Mathematics Vocabulary and Word Problems: Exploring how they contribute to maths learning difficulties 13. Criterion-referenced (Formative) Tests: Focussing on identified problems and showing how to build on-going diagnosis into teaching 14. Speed of working: The `do it quickly' culture of maths and the implications this has for learners
