WHY IS MATHS HARDER FOR SOME KIDS THAN OTHERS?

Have you ever noticed that maths comes easy to some students while other students must work much, much harder to understand? Why is that? To find the answer, we must go to the source... the hippocampus.

The hippocampus is a complex brain structure embedded deep into the temporal lobe. It has a major role in learning and memory. What does the hippocampus do in making some kids understand maths easier?

Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine found that when kids begin processing mental maths, the brain reorganizes itself to use its short-term memory center, the hippocampus.

The results of this study also found that when kids switch from procedure-based strategies (like counting on their fingers) to memory-based retrieval methods (already having it memorised), they have a more stable improvement in their problem-solving skills.

Mann Koepke of the NIH, who funded the study, said: "If the child’s brain does not have to labor over simple maths, there is more short-term memory space to learn new concepts, so they catch on earlier and faster. It appears they have a competitive advantage because of their cognitive structure, and are more likely to outperform their peers."

The more a student practices maths, the more the process becomes "mental maths" - something they're familiar with, and soon, memorise. 

Hmmmm. So where is the best place to practice maths? Don't worry, we've got you covered. 

Our Mathnasium Learning Centres offer tutoring to ALL LEVELS of maths learners, including those who memorise quickly using mental maths and those who are using procedure-based methods. We specialize in helping kids excel from whatever level they find themselves.

Have an advanced math student? We've got you covered.

Have a student that’s falling behind? We've got you covered.

Have a student that’s somewhere in between? We've got you covered.

Locate your closest learning centre and discover what we can do for your child today!