How the Brain Learns Mathematics

"I am so impressed with this book that I believe it should be required reading for all teachers who teach math at any level."
—Mary Thoreen, Mathematics Teacher
Wilson Middle School, Tampa, FL

"An excellent, well-organized, well-written book—practical advice grounded in solid research and presented in compelling language."
—Robert Sylwester, Emeritus Professor of Education
University of Oregon

Learn how the brain processes mathematical concepts and why some students develop math anxiety!

Highly respected author and researcher David A. Sousa explains the latest neuroscientific findings in practical, understandable terms and discusses the impact this information has for teaching mathematics at all grade levels. How the Brain Learns Mathematics covers the cognitive mechanisms for learning mathematics, the environmental and developmental factors that contribute to mathematics difficulties, and ways to differentiate mathematics instruction.

The text offers a unique and simplified four-step model for teaching mathematics to PreK–12 students that helps teachers consistently relate what learners experience in the classroom to concrete, real-world applications. Based on primary research, this groundbreaking text also examines:

• Children’s innate number sense and how the brain develops an understanding of number relationships
• Rationales for modifying lessons to meet the developmental learning stages of young children, preadolescents, and adolescents
• How to plan lessons in PreK–12 mathematics
• Implications of current research for planning mathematics lessons, including discoveries about memory systems and lesson timing
• Methods to help elementary and secondary school teachers detect mathematics difficulties
• Clear connections to the NCTM standards and curriculum focal points

Teachers of mathematics at all levels will find this book invaluable for making informed decisions about which instructional strategies and activities to use in creating a mathematics-friendly classroom.