Inaugural National Dyscalculia & MLD Conference Downloads 2009

This years conference was a great success, please find below the speakers handouts. We also have a Dyscalculia forum, details at the bottom of this page.

Prof. Brian Butterworth

Dyscalculia: causes, identification, intervention and recognition

Dyscalculia is as prevalent a learning disorder as dyslexia and has an even more profound effect on life chances.  However, it is not widely recognised. I discuss recent research that identifies a core deficit underlying this difficulty in learning arithmetic, along with its neural and genetic basis. This approach forms the basis for identification and intervention. Government and educational recognition of this handicap is just beginning in the UK.

Download Brian's presentation

Jane Emerson

Making Maths Real… What Works?

The use of concrete manipulatives and structural equipment to develop number sense and understanding enables children with low numeracy and dyscalculia to move from rote counting in ones as a main strategy to internalised cognitive models. This session will demonstrate how pupils can move out of the counting trap into calculating, using essential facts to derive answers and apply universal strategies with understanding.

Download Jane's presentation

Dr. Tandi Clausen-May

Seeing and Doing Mathematics

Our pupils understand mathematics in different ways.  Some can grasp ideas and concepts presented on the printed page quite easily, but others respond more readily to pictures and models which they can see and manipulate.  So how can we make it all ‘click’ for pupils who struggle to access a mathematics curriculum that is bound up in printed books and assessments?

Download Tandi's presentation

Dr. Steve Chinn

Making Maths accessible

The traditional demands of mathematics challenge many learners, especially those with special needs. For example, mental arithmetic requires effective short term and working memories and there remains a requirement to have instant retrieval of basic facts. This session will consider a structure for mathematics which maintains the intellectual content but acknowledges the problems some learners have with prerequisite skills and knowledge. Recent research into Maths Anxiety and teachers’ concerns about motivation will be used to support the proposed modifications to structure and pedagogy.

Dyscalculia and Maths Learning Difficulties Forum

We have created a Dyscalculia forum especially for educationalists - schools, further education and higher education. The forum has been created for those interested in discussing and participating in developments concerning Dyscalculia and maths learning difficulties. Please follow the link below to join the forum. In order to keep spammers and undesirables out we will be validating each new account so please be patient whilst we go through this process. Click here to join the forum and then click "apply for membership".