Browsing by Author "Jyrinsalo, Anni"

The purpose of this thesis is to present how a class teacher recognises the mathematical difficulties of students and advances the possibilities to support students with those difficulties. Since the previous research have not acknowledged one standard definition for mathematical difficulty, there seems to be several ways to define it. Therefore, the tests used to measure mathematical difficulties cannot be compared with each other. As a literature review, this study explores books, articles, and theses that address the issues on mathematical disabilities. Databases like EBSCOhost, Ebrary and Nelli-portal were used to collect relevant literature. Therefore, this study is based on extensive literature review. The findings suggest that, identification of mathematical difficulties can be done by using a technical tool through which mathematical difficulties can be defined and by observing students. As technical tools teachers can use standardised tests, formative assessment during every class and summative assessment, for example, with final test. Furthermore, the mathematical difficulties can also appear through students’ behaviour, and their approach towards mathematics. Student can experience strong emotional feelings towards mathematics and be unwilling to participate in math classes. Students’ emotional feelings and unwillingness can be results of their perception of math being only about patterns and memorizing. One way teachers can support students with mathematical difficulties is by shaping student’s attitude to be more positive, for instance, with math related games. Concreate examples that can bond students’ own life with mathematics assist them to understand numbers and help to create visual visions to support mathematical thinking. By differentiating study material teacher can support each student’s individual learning and keep him or her motivated. It was also found that class teacher’s cooperation with parents and other school staff gives a wide supportive network for students both in school and at home.