How the brain learn Maths

   How the Brain Learn Mathematics-David A Sousa
I attended a fantastic day seminar a few 6 years ago where David da Sousa focus on using the brain as a learning tool and to teach to how the brain funcions. He is a ex teacher and is one of the worlds leading brain experts and use MRI scanning to see what part is activated when learning takes place during different subjects, He also compares this data with different ages and genders. I manage to get hold of his book on mathematics and here is a short summary.
Summary
Create a number sense in the students
There is a strong link between language and mathematics.Use literacy strategies to help learners.
Use graphic organizers to lay out and solve  problems
Brain-Men’s brain is 6-8% larger than females.They are better at numbers but female’s brains are better at processing words.
Humans use the frontal lobe of the brain for mathematics.
Teach to the different learning styles.
Differentiate your lessons to accommodate different intelligences
Rehearsing and repeating improves memory
Different age groups learn maths different-early childhood-intuitive -preschool-rote learning
Adolescence-problem solving- adult-
Multiplication tables are difficult to learn because there is no associated memory and it contradict  the pattern recognition of the brain.
Using dots or cards with addition will create pattern recognition to help young children learn the Time tables without memorising it but most can only learn it by memorising it.
Teach for meaning-make it relevant

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