Keep It in Mind

Understanding and improving your working memory.

by Tracy Packiam Alloway, PhD

When 1 + 1 = 5: Dyscalculia and Working Memory

By Tracy P. Alloway, Ph.D. on January 15, 2012 in Keep It in Mind

Jacob's mother writes that ‘Jacob, 10-years-old, still struggles with number bonds to 10. Learning to tell the time is still slow - he has not mastered half-past. Although he managed to learn his 5x tables because we practiced all summer, this has now gone'. Read More

We assume that because a

Submitted by SevenSigma on January 17, 2012 - 4:03am.

We assume that because a child shows no particular aptitude for arithmetic in the early years, then he/she has no particular talent for mathematics, and once dumped in a low maths set, well, you're there for life, baby. You are right that the nature of the skill required to be good at maths changes, especially once any form of higher maths starts to be introduced. Unfortunately for the child whose arithmetic left a lot to be desired early on, he/she may never be introduced to the higher maths topics where he/she might really blossom in the subject.

I don't know if this has to do with dyscalculia or working memory, but I can imagine that persuading Mrs. Higginbottom that Little Johnny who can't calculate for toffee might in fact be a gifted mathematician, given a chance, would be an uphill struggle.

There's no greater waste than a wasted intellect, and I prefer to err on the side of giving people a chance.

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Thanks for your comment. It

Submitted by Tracy P. Alloway, Ph.D. on January 18, 2012 - 4:44am.

Thanks for your comment. It is possible that a child is having difficulty learning math (or 'shows no aptitutde' as you phrase it), because their Working Memory space is not big enough to take in all the information. While their peers may do fine with 3 pieces of information, they may be struggling to keep in mind just 1 or 2 things the teacher is saying. You are right that working memory problems do not represent a developmental lag--a student won't be able to 'catch up' over time. However, with early diagnosis we can provide effective support and training to foster learning.

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Thank you

Submitted by Moe on January 18, 2012 - 8:30pm.

Your article caught my eye today and I found I really enjoyed reading it (not in a mean way, I see how this can be terribly fustrating for a child). I'm sure not many people know this exist and I'm glad you educated me more upon the subject. So, yeah thank you.