How the Brain Learns Mathematics

by David A. Sousa

"I am so impressed with this book that I believe it should be required reading for all teachers who teach math at any level."
Mary Thoreen, Mathematics Teacher
Wilson Middle School, Tampa, FL

"An excellent, well-organized, well-written bookpractical advice grounded in solid research and presented in compelling language."
Robert Sylwester, Emeritus Professor of Education
University of Oregon

Learn how the brain processes mathematical concepts and why some students develop math anxiety!

Highly respected author and researcher David A. Sousa explains the latest neuroscientific findings in practical, understandable terms and discusses the impact this information has for teaching mathematics at all grade levels. How the Brain Learns Mathematics covers the cognitive mechanisms for learning mathematics, the environmental and developmental factors that contribute to mathematics difficulties, and ways to differentiate mathematics instruction.

The text offers a unique and simplified four-tier model for teaching mathematics to PreK12 students that helps teachers consistently relate what learners experience in the classroom to concrete, real-world applications. Based on primary research, this groundbreaking text also examines:

Childrens innate number sense and how the brain develops an understanding of number relationships Rationales for modifying lessons to meet the developmental learning stages of young children, preadolescents, and adolescents How to plan lessons in PreK12 mathematics Implications of current research for planning mathematics lessons, including discoveries about memory systems and lesson timing Methods to help elementary and secondary school teachers detect mathematics difficulties Clear connections to the NCTM standards and curriculum focal points

Teachers of mathematics at all levels will find this book invaluable for making informed decisions about which instructional strategies and activities to use in creating a mathematics-friendly classroom.

Genres: Education, Mathematics, Nonfiction, Teaching

Paperback

First published September 17, 2007

Reviews

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I purchase materials for our professional collection, I try to read them. I was intimidated by this book because I have always felt I do not have a math brain. My oldest daughter is a math teacher, and I realized that I, like too many of us, say, "I'm not good at math." As an English teacher, I would never accept the same comments from a student about English, so why should I deem it suitable to speak this way about math? So, I set aside my hesitations, and I read this book.

It's actually easy to read and provides lots of research. I've read many books and articles about brain based learning, and this book applies all of that to how we should teach math for optimal learning. The author provides specific examples and instructions for how to teach. I think the book is more relevant for elementary schools than high schools, but I still recommend high school teachers to read this.

In a world of high stakes testing and companies that are creating new programs every year for English and Math, this book shows that it's not so much what we teach but how and when we teach it and why.

[Lesley Doane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some excellent insight into how brain development impacts the learning of Mathematics. There were some new ideas that I found to be instrumental toward improving my practice and this books sets the stage for building wide PLC's. A must read!

[Kenny Cronin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this for a class/PD I’m taking and it was actually good for a textbook. Of course I was skimming for answers but I actually read it and was interested in the neurology aspect and I liked when it affirmed what I already do in the classroom.

[Genie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Relatively good, easy for laypersons to understand. Would have liked to see more examples of instruction and more studies of what works and what does not.

[Rebecca Avery · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for those in education.

[Vicky North · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great resource for the first year teacher as well as the veteran teacher. Great tools to use in the classroom. When you know how the brain learns and where your students are at developmental, you will gain a better understanding on what students are thinking and why. The author breaks each group of students as primary, preadolescent, and adolescent. I would like to learn more about students learning a second language and how they learn. This author briefly touched on this subject stating there needs to be more research. The author gives many examples to help you better understand.

[Cassandra Lashae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read and interesting. Not bad for a PD requirement.

[Matthew Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sousa's work may be useful for teaching younger kids, but as children age, his descriptions and suggestions become increasingly psychological rather than neurological, and he paints in too-broad strokes. Much of what he says at that point also ends up being rehash of what many have already written already. Additionally, his suggestions break down into lists, which are difficult to read. There is good material, but it's just more useful for younger kids and not always terribly practical, I find.

[Reagan Suzanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book does have some fascinating information about the brain. However, some of the information about teaching math is either surface level or just plain incorrect/outdated. There are some facts that I will definitely share with the teachers I work with, but if you’re looking for a book that’s going to improve your instruction, I don’t think this will help much.

[Heidi]

Enjoying this so far and interested in his other titles, including 'How the Brain Learns to Read.'

[Mills College Library]

510.71 S725 2008