Everyone Can Learn Mathematics to High Levels: The Evidence from Neuroscience that Should Change our Teaching
Abstract
The aim of this article is to draw the attention of teacher, special educators and the general public to the fact that everyone can achieve high results in mathematics, even though everyone is born with a different potential. In introduction there is the example of Nicholas Letchford who despite his struggles became very successful in mathematics.
The article proposes evidence for its claim from three new findings in neurosciences. Firstly, our brains have enormous capacity to grow and change.
This is based on the research of black taxi drivers in London. The second evidence is the fact that struggle in mathematics is not a sign of weakness but on the contrary leads to a deeper understanding.
Lastly, it is pointed out that while working on a mathematical problem, there are five brain pathways involved, two of which are visual. Multidimensional approach of mathematics leads to more productive and powerful brain connections.