Education - General & Miscellaneous, Teaching & Teacher Training, Fun & Educational Math, Mathematics, Educational Theory, Research & History

How the Brain Learns Mathematics

Name: How the Brain Learns Mathematics
Author: David A. Sousa
ISBN: 9781412953061

by David A. Sousa

Write a review

Overview

Discusses cognitive mechanisms for learning mathematics and factors that contribute to mathematics difficulties, examines how the brain develops an understanding of number relationships, and connects to NCTM curriculum focal points.

Synopsis

About the Author, David A. Sousa

David A. Sousa is an international educational consultant. He has made presentations at national conventions of educational organizations and has conducted workshops on brain research and science education in hundreds of school districts and at several colleges and universities across the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. His teaching experience covers all levels. He has taught junior and senior high school science, served as a K-12 director of science, and was supervisor of instruction for the West Orange, New Jersey, schools. He then became superintendent of the New Providence, New Jersey, public schools. Sousa has been an adjunct professor of education at Seton Hall University and a visiting lecturer at Rutgers University. He was president of the National Staff Development Council in 1992.

Sousa has edited science books and published numerous books and articles in leading educational journals on staff development, science education, and brain research. He has received awards from professional associations and school districts for his commitment and contributions to research, staff development, and science education. He received the Distinguished Alumni Award and an honorary doctorate in education from Bridgewater (Mass.) State College. He has appeared on NBC Today and National Public Radio to discuss his work with schools using brain research. Sousa has a bachelor of science degree in chemistry from Massachusetts State College at Bridgewater, a master of arts in teaching with a major in science from Harvard University, and a doctorate from Rutgers University.

Reviews

There are no reviews yet. Log in to write one.

Editorials

Robert Sylwester

"An excellent, well-organized, well-written book—practical advice grounded in solid research andpresented in compelling language."

Carol Amos

"Totally absorbing. I found myself discussing different aspects of it with my colleagues and reading passages out loud to my husband. Any teacher who teaches math should have this on his or her book list."

Renee Ponce-Nealon

"This text is written the way we should be teaching—making you eagerly anticipate what is coming next."

Daniel Raguse

"The cognitive findings of this book are powerful andaffirming and add support to my current work and practice. I took away powerful concepts that have enormous implications for teaching and learning mathematics."

Deborah Gordon

"The very bottom line is that this book is about what is best for helping students learn mathematics and helping teachers teach it in a way that is purposeful and meaningful for their students."

Janice Bradley

"The book’s unique contribution to the field is the connection of research to educational practice, providing a common language for researchers and practitioners to begin dialogues about learning mathematics."

Mary Thoreen

"I am so impressed with this book that I believe it should be required reading for all teachers who teach math at any level."

Jim Barta

"This book has actually changed the way I think now of teaching math in particular and learning in general, and I’ve been teaching math for over 25 years."

California Bookwatch

"Comes from a respected author and researcher who explores the latest neuroscientific findings in learning and math cognition. Pairs research with lesson plans specific to elementary and secondary school teachers."

Curriculum Connections

"Teachers of all grade levels will be intrigued by Sousa’s explanation of the brain processes involved in learning math concepts and why so many people find them difficult to understand. Developmentally appropriate math strategies and lessons for pre K-12 students that focus on both memory and meaning are offered, along with a section on diagnosing and addressing difficulties in students."