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(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- If you struggle with math, youve probably decided that youre just not left-brained -- but new research offers a fresh look at a syndrome that may be crippling your math skills.
Studies at the University of Western Ontario using functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) are opening experts eyes to a condition called dyscalculia -- a syndrome similar to dyslexia that causes difficulties with understanding math.
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Research shows that many children have both dyslexia and dyscalculia, Daniel Ansari, Ph.D., an assistant professor and Canada Research Chair in Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience in the Department of Psychology at the University of Western Ontario, was quoted as saying. We are now exploring further the question of exactly what brain differences exist between those who have just math problems and those who have both math and reading difficulties.
FMRI scans on the brains of children with developmental dyscalculia show atypical activation patterns in a part of the brain called the parietal cortex.
Dr. Ansari says parents and teachers are often not aware that dyscalculia is behind their childs struggles in math class. This research holds promise for them, as well as people who have resigned themselves to the fact that they are simply not good at math.
A teacher who understands brain structure and function will be better equipped to interpret childrens behaviors -- their strengths and weaknesses -- from a scientific point of view, and this will in turn influence how they teach, Dr. Ansari said.
SOURCE: Education Canada, 2008;48:6-10
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