More Trouble with Maths: A Complete Manual to Identifying and Diagnosing Mathematical Difficulties

Now in an updated third edition, this invaluable resource takes a practical and accessible approach to identifying and diagnosing many of the factors that contribute to mathematical learning difficulties and dyscalculia. Using a combination of formative and summative approaches, it provides a range of norm-referenced, standardised tests and diagnostic activities, each designed to reveal common error patterns and misconceptions in order to form a basis for intervention. Revised to reflect developments in the understanding of learning difficulties in mathematics, the book gives a diagnostic overview of a range of challenges to mathematical learning, including difficulties in grasping and retaining facts, problems with mathematics vocabulary and maths anxiety.

Key features of this book include:

• Photocopiable tests and activities designed to be presented in a low-stress way
• Guidance on the interpretation of data, allowing diagnosis and assessment to become integrated into everyday teaching
• Sample reports, showing the diagnostic tests in practice

Drawing on tried and tested methods, as well as the author’s extensive experience and expertise, this book is written in an engaging and user-friendly style. It is a vital resource for anyone who wants to accurately identify the depth and nature of mathematical learning difficulties and dyscalculia.

Table of Contents

Foreword by Professor Maggie Snowling

1. Introduction: Dyscalculia and mathematical learning difficulties: The test protocol.
2. Diagnosis, assessment and teaching: The benefits of linking.
3. The Dyscalculia Checklist: 31 characteristics that can contribute to maths failure
4. Starting the assessment/diagnosis: Getting to know the person through informal activities.
5. Short term memory and working memory: The two key underlying skills that influence learning.
6. Tests of basic facts: Addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Their role in maths LD and dyscalculia.
7. Mathematics anxiety: Which topics and activities create anxiety.
8. The 15-minute norm-referenced mathematics test: Basic computations and algebra designed to compare performances.
9. Errors and the 15-minute mathematics test: Recognising and understanding common error patterns.
10. Cognitive (thinking) style: How learners think through maths problems.
11. Estimation: A key life skill used to develop more confidence with mathematics.
12. Mathematics vocabulary and word problems: Exploring how they contribute to mathematics learning difficulties
13. Criterion-referenced (formative) tests: Focusing on identified problems and showing how to build ongoing diagnosis into teaching.
14. Speed of working: The implications of ‘doing mathematics’ quickly.
15. Two Sample Reports.

Appendix 1 A sample ‘Teacher Observations’ pro-forma

Appendix 2 A pre-assessment pro-forma for parents/carers

Appendix 3 Schools, Colleges, institutions and individuals who provided data for the norm-referenced tests in Chapters 6 and 8.

References

Index

"Steve Chinn in this latest book ‘More Trouble with Maths’ has yet again achieved another major milestone by conveying a positive and informative message to all practitioners – yes – Maths challenges - whatever the barriers, can be overcome! In this book Steve Chinn shows exactly how this can be done. Every aspect is comprehensively covered with practical and sound evidence-based approaches. Steve, yet again, shows why he is the number 1 author in Maths! The book describes a range of diagnostic procedures that covers all the barriers that can be experienced from sequencing to memory issues. Steve is also well known for his consideration of the individual child and it is no surprise that chapter 4 focusses on exactly that, getting to know the learner. There are also detailed chapters on dealing with memory difficulties, anxiety and emotions and developing teaching and learning approaches. The appendix also contains very useful pro-forma’s on observation and assessment. Without any doubt this book is an essential reference for all practitioners and a ‘must buy’ for every school!"
- Dr. Gavin Reid, Independent Practitioner Psychologist and author

"What a book! Understanding, assessing and addressing maths challenges is a real concern for so many involved in the education of children and young people. Many adults remain anxious about their ability to cope with maths, and as a result, this stymies their efforts to help those in their care overcome their difficulties. Maths is a really important subject; we know that when issues remain unaddressed and / or the subject is inappropriately taught, maths failure can detrimentally affect life chances. This text, with the tests and diagnostic activities it contains, explains complex issues in an accessible and enlightening way, useful for those who understand maths and who want to know more – and those who need help and guidance to do so. This book will help both staff and learners to achieve. Thank you Steve … You have done it again!"
- Dr. Lindsay Peer, CBE, Educational Psychologist, Peer Gordon Associates