ABSTRACT

More Trouble with Maths acknowledges that there are many reasons why children and adults are unable to function mathematically. Difficulties include problems with rote learning basic facts and procedures, debilitating anxiety, poor working and short-term memories and mathematics vocabulary. Central to this new edition is a range of standardised tests and diagnostic activities, including a 15 minute test of basic mathematics, a thinking style test, tests of basic fact retrieval and maths anxiety. Guiding the reader in the interpretation of tests, this new edition shows how identifying the barriers to learning is the first step in a programme of intervention. Written in an engaging and user-friendly style, Steve Chinn draws on his extensive experience and expertise to:

  • show how to consider and appraise the many factors relating to mathematical learning difficulties
  • explain how these factors can be investigated
  • explore their impact on learning mathematics.

Emphasising the need for a clinical approach when assessing individuals, this book shows how diagnosis and assessment can become integrated into everyday teaching. This highly practical and relevant resource is a crucial resource for anyone who wants to accurately and effectively identify the depth and nature of mathematical learning difficulties and dyscalculia.

chapter 1|11 pages

Introduction

Dyscalculia and mathematical learning difficulties: the test protocol

chapter 2|8 pages

Diagnosis, assessment and teaching

The benefits of linking

chapter 3|15 pages

The dyscalculia checklist

31 characteristics that can contribute to maths failure

chapter 4|16 pages

Starting the assessment/ diagnosis

Getting to know the person through informal activities

chapter 5|6 pages

Short-term memory and working memory

Two key underlying skills that influence learning

chapter 6|14 pages

Tests of basic facts – addition, subtraction, multiplication and division

Their role in mathematical learning difficulties and dyscalculia

chapter 7|9 pages

Mathematics anxiety

Which topics and activities create anxiety?

chapter 8|24 pages

The 15 minute norm-referenced mathematics test

Basic computations and algebra designed to compare performances

chapter 9|19 pages

Errors and the 15 minute mathematics test

Recognising and understanding common error patterns

chapter 10|20 pages

Cognitive (thinking) style

How learners think through mathematics problems

chapter 11|4 pages

Estimation

A key life skill used to develop more confidence with mathematics

chapter 12|11 pages

Mathematics vocabulary and word problems

Exploring how they contribute to mathematics learning difficulties

chapter 13|9 pages

Criterion-referenced (formative) tests

Focusing on identified problems and showing how to build ongoing diagnosis into teaching

chapter 14|3 pages

Speed of working

The implications of ‘doing mathematics’ quickly

chapter 15|27 pages

Two sample reports