We all know that mathematics is a complex subject, and it requires a lot of memorization and practice to master it. But is math based on memory? This is a question that has been debated for many years. In this article, we will explore the role of memory in mathematics and how it can be used to improve learning. Declarative memory is a higher and more useful form of memory than procedural memory when it comes to mathematics.
This is because declarative memory allows us to extract or compress the essence of a procedure or procedures. According to Dr. Evans, learning math is similar to learning other skills, such as driving. At first, we consciously learn how to drive, but with practice, driving becomes automated in procedural memory.
However, for some children with math problems, procedural memory may not work well, so math skills aren't automated. To avoid this bottleneck in working memory, Dr. Adbrizi suggests that children practice tasks such as mental arithmetic until they become automatic and unconscious. This frees up space in working memory to perform more complex calculations.
Naming each step of a mathematical process as it is done can also help struggling math students improve their memory of processing steps. This strategy requires students (and teachers) to slow down, but the investment of time increases the student's understanding and retention of the mathematical concept. Dyslexics often have difficulty remembering the instructions and learning sequences they hear. This hampers their ability to sequence and plan sequential steps, as they may not be able to retain auditory information long enough to process it.
In terms of mathematics, this means that a student may not be able to remember the elements of word problems long enough to perform an operation. Long-term memory can store information indefinitely. We can transfer skills and knowledge to long-term memory by practicing repeatedly. When students have math skills, basic knowledge, and arithmetic data in their long-term memory, they have the tools they need to tackle new math problems.
Explicit (declarative) long-term memory refers to memories that can be consciously remembered. Implicit (non-declarative) long-term memory stores memories that don't require conscious thinking. Schemas exist in long-term memory as an organizational system for our current knowledge and provide a framework for adding future understanding. Providing mathematical tasks with high cognitive demand creates high expectations for all students by challenging them to engage in higher-order thinking. As students solve problems in groups, they learn new strategies and practice communicating their mathematical thinking. CRA is a sequential educational approach during which students move from working with specific materials to creating representative drawings and using abstract symbols.
Students activate more cognitive processes by exploring and representing their understandings visually. The continuous use of fundamental skills with different problems reinforces the conceptual understanding of mathematical skills. Daily review strengthens prior learning and can lead to a fluid memory. Knowing the language of mathematics is essential because students must use this language to understand mathematical concepts and determine the necessary calculations. Thinking about patterns encourages students to seek out and understand the rules and relationships that are critical components of mathematical reasoning. Teaching students to recognize common problem structures helps them transfer methods of solving family problems to unknown ones. Discussing strategies for solving math problems after letting students try to solve problems on their own helps them understand how to organize their mathematical thinking and approach problems in an intentional way.
Analyzing examples of incorrect work is especially beneficial in helping students develop a conceptual understanding of mathematical processes. When students explain their thinking process aloud with guidance in response to questions or prompts, they recognize the strategies they use and consolidate their understanding. As students go through the seasons working in small groups, the social and physical nature of learning contributes to deeper understanding. Adding movements to complement learning activates more cognitive processes for remembering and understanding. In guided inquiry, teachers help students use their own language to build knowledge through active listening and questioning. Spending time with new content helps to transfer concepts and ideas to long-term memory. Learning about student cultures and connecting them to educational practices helps foster a sense of belonging and mitigate the stereotypical threat. Practicing until several error-free attempts is critical for retention. As students work with information and process it by discussing, organizing and sharing it together, they deepen their understanding.
Math games allow students to practice many mathematical skills in a fun and applied context. Rhyme, alliteration and other sound devices reinforce the development of mathematical skills by activating mental processes that promote memory. When students have meaningful conversations about mathematics and use mathematical vocabulary, they develop the thinking, questioning, and explanation skills necessary to master mathematical concepts. A mnemonic device is a creative way of memorizing new information through connections to current knowledge, for example, by creating images, acronyms or rhymes. By explaining their ideas at every step of a process, teachers can model what learning is like. Teachers who share the connections between mathematics and mathematics with the world model this construction of schemes. Brain breaks, which include movement, allow students to refresh their thinking and focus on learning new information. Teaching in multiple formats allows students to activate different cognitive abilities to understand and remember the steps they should take in their mathematics work.
Multiple viewing spaces help develop oral language skills as well as social awareness & relationship skills since they allow groups to easily share.
