Verbal Factors and Mathematics Learning: A Review of Research
Abstract
Recent investigations pertaining to the importance of verbal factors in the learning of mathematics are reviewed. The paper is divided into 3 sections: (a) the relationships of mathematical ability to reading ability and general intelligence, (b) reading instruction and mathematics learning, and (c) student and teacher verbalizations. The importance of general intelligence for mathematics achievement is recognized, but the evidence for a group factor of mathematical ability is not convincing. Training in careful, analytical reading appears to have a beneficial effect on achievement in mathematics, but more controlled experiments with larger samples need to be conducted. The influence of verbalizing awareness of mathematical generalizations and the effects of teacher–student verbal interactions in mathematics classroom settings are other promising directions for research. Finally, an appeal is made for long–term multivariate investigations rather than piecemeal, one–shot studies.
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Early semantic language delays or problems increase risk for later academic underachievement in reading comprehension and mathematics.
“Research has also suggested that children with early semantic language delays or problems are at risk for later academic underachievement, such that children with poor semantic language skills are less likely to succeed in reading comprehension and mathematics (Aiken, 1971; Ouellette, 2006; Young et al., 2002).”
From Semantic Language as a Mechanism Explaining the Association between ADHD Symptoms and Reading and Mathematics Underachievement (2012) · cites this paper as Aiken, 1971
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- Authors
- Aiken, L. R.
- Affiliations
- Guilford College (US)
- Corresponding author
- Aiken, Lewis R.
- Venue
- Journal for Research in Mathematics Education
- Published
- 1971-11
- Volume
- 2
- Issue
- 4
- Pages
- 304
- ISSN
- 0021-8251 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W2115568978
- Cited by
- 81
- References
- 0
- Citations by year
- 2023: 2 · 2022: 6 · 2021: 5 · 2020: 1 · 2019: 5 · 2018: 2 · 2016: 4 · 2015: 1 · 2014: 2 · 2013: 4 · 2012: 5
- FWCI
- 2.83
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal for Research in Mathematics Education (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Physical Sciences › Mathematics › Statistics and Probability › Cognitive and developmental aspects of mathematical skills
- Physical Sciences › Mathematics › Applied Mathematics › Mathematics Education and Pedagogy
- Social Sciences › Education › Mathematics Education and Teaching Techniques
- Keywords
- mathematics learning, mathematical ability, reading skills, general intelligence, reading instruction, analytical reading, verbalization, mathematical generalization, mathematics achievement
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