Why is visual maths so important for your child?

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Introduction

While studying the impact of visualization on a child’s understanding of mathematics, Stanford University professor Jo Boaler noted that different sections of a child’s brain light up when they perform mathematical problem-solving. Boaler’s research also showed that when a child performs simple mathematical tasks (such as a simple multiplication of two numbers), the visual processing parts of the brain (ventral and dorsal pathways) get activated.

Math is visual- Let's teach it in that way

You’d be surprised to know, but your child consciously tries to visualize mathematical operations in their head, even for the most basic of mathematical tasks!

However, many parents still perceive mathematics as an abstract subject involving numbers and symbols. When trying to explain the importance of visual tools in teaching mathematical concepts in schools, math experts around the world have to contend with this reaction regularly.

What are the benefits of visual learning?

Introducing visual learning to the educational plan can:

help students better engage with the math problems.
increase retention by a certain amount.
develop higher-order thinking skills.
sharpen basic abilities that enable students to see and conceptualize visuals clearly.
serve the unique needs of learners who process information primarily through visuals, as well as increase learning for all students.
provide new opportunities to some students with learning differences and challenge students who more exceptional in solving.

Why is visual math so important to understand?

When your child learns through visual tools and manipulatives, the process of mathematical learning changes for them. Different international organizations for mathematics like the National Council for the Teaching of Mathematics (NCTM) and the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) have consistently advocated for the use of multiple visual representations in a student’s learning of mathematics.

But for thousands of students all across India, mathematics as a subject is still taught in a broadcast manner wherein the teacher describes the concepts on a blackboard to a class of 30 something students. Such a form of learning hinders your child from thinking visually leading to a pattern of rote learning.

Student explaining math concepts in black board

Moreover, the use of mathematical manipulatives or activities to promote visual information processing is something that is still yet to be entirely embraced by teachers across the country.

Such learning systems expose your child to a higher risk of developing an irrational fear of math. Recognizing these challenges, Cuemath undertook extensive research in understanding the importance of visualization, building the concept of Math Box. The Cuemath Math Box is designed to help your child visualize mathematical concepts through their senses mainly touch, feel and sight. The use of the hands to hold and move different mathematical manipulatives around increases your child’s visual-spatial understanding of the concepts.

For example, watch the video below which tells us about the visual learning of fractions:

Conclusion

At Cuemath, we go beyond the four walls of a classroom, helping your child understand math through visualization clubbed with practice, in a classroom focused on their overall individual visual-spatial development.

The nature of visual mathematics being much more open and creative can go a long way in reducing and eliminating the aversion, commonly seen in students towards the subject. However, the concept of using visual manipulatives as a tool to teach math to students is not readily followed in schools in India.

Math is a highly logical and objective-driven subject where most of the concepts are interrelated. Technology along with other math-based manipulatives makes it easy for your child to understand concepts in a personalized way based on their capabilities.

About Cuemath

Cuemath, a student-friendly mathematics and coding platform, conducts regular Online Live Classes for academics and skill-development, and their Mental Math App, on both iOS and Android, is a one-stop solution for kids to develop multiple skills. Understand the Cuemath Fee structure and sign up for a free trial.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do you teach a visual learner math?

When it comes to more formal math instruction, there are specific techniques that will help make it more accessible to visual learners. ... Some Techniques for Teaching Visual Learners Math Color, color, color! ... Make a picture. ... Use multimedia software when available. ... Manipulatives are key.

Are visual learners more intelligent?

Ability to perceive the visual. These learners tend to think in pictures and need to create vivid mental images to retain information. ... These learners have highly developed auditory skills and are generally elegant speakers. They think in words rather than pictures.

External references

To know more about visual maths, visit these blogs