Study Unit 3: Part 9 (HMSC 112) Visual-Perception and Math Problems

Visual-Perception and Math Problems

Challenges in Math

Issues in visual perception and visual-motor association complicate math learning for many students. These students often face various difficulties that hinder their mathematical abilities, including:

• Set Identification: Identifying sets of objects or numbers can be challenging, which affects their ability to understand foundational concepts in mathematics.

• Recognition: Students may struggle to recognize shapes and number symbols, which are essential for both reading math problems and initiating calculations.

• Production: Producing shapes and number symbols accurately can lead to errors in mathematical work and impact overall confidence in math.

• Directionality Issues: Understanding spatial relationships greatly influences math learning, and many students face problems related to directionality. This manifests in the following manner:

  • Up-Down: Distinguishing between vertical orientation is critical for understanding graphs and charts.

  • Front-Back: Grasping the depth and positions of objects in space is important for solving three-dimensional problems in geometry.

  • Left-Right: Navigating horizontal directions is essential for following sequences in operations like addition and subtraction.

Quantitative Thinking Difficulties

Quantitative Thinking Difficulties can be particularly pronounced in students experiencing visual-perception challenges. Specific problems these students may encounter include:

• Using a Number Line: Many struggle to understand or effectively utilize number lines, which are crucial for visualizing numerical relationships and operations.

• Understanding Positive and Negative Numbers: Grasping the concepts of positive and negative values poses a significant barrier to understanding number theory and algebraic principles.

• Solving Equations: Finding solutions to mathematical equations can be daunting for students with visual-perceptual issues, reducing their proficiency in problem-solving.

• Computing Problems: Difficulties with computations that involve two or more columns or digits can result in inaccuracies and a lack of confidence when performing essential arithmetic operations.