‘I can’t do maths’. Can we break this popular phrase? A review of the annual Mathematical Cognition and Learning Society conference and a sneak preview of some recent research

Abstract

Good mathematical skills are vital for success in school, employment and everyday life, yet many individuals struggle with mathematics, and it is a sad state that saying ‘I can’t do maths’ is a norm. Behind the scenes many researchers and educators are trying to understand why children and adults find mathematics difficult and are designing research-led interventions and programmes to help. In this article I review some of the research that was presented at this years annual Mathematical Cognition and Learning Society (MCLS) conference, an international conference that started only six years ago, but in that time has quickly become the largest in the field. I also present a summary of my postdoctoral work that I’ve been conducting over the last few years, which investigates why many children struggle to learn multiplication facts.