• Korean Journal of Cognitive Science
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.159-219
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• 2016

Mathematical ability is important for academic achievement and technological renovations in the STEM disciplines. This study concentrated on the relationship between neural basis of mathematical cognition and its mechanisms. These cognitive functions include domain specific abilities such as numerical skills and visuospatial abilities, as well as domain general abilities which include language, long term memory, and working memory capacity. Individuals can perform higher cognitive functions such as abstract thinking and reasoning based on these basic cognitive functions. The next topic covered in this study is about individual differences in mathematical abilities. Neural efficiency theory was incorporated in this study to view mathematical talent. According to the theory, a person with mathematical talent uses his or her brain more efficiently than the effortful endeavour of the average human being. Mathematically gifted students show different brain activities when compared to average students. Interhemispheric and intrahemispheric connectivities are enhanced in those students, particularly in the right brain along fronto-parietal longitudinal fasciculus. The third topic deals with growth and development in mathematical capacity. As individuals mature, practice mathematical skills, and gain knowledge, such changes are reflected in cortical activation, which include changes in the activation level, redistribution, and reorganization in the supporting cortex. Among these, reorganization can be related to neural plasticity. Neural plasticity was observed in professional mathematicians and children with mathematical learning disabilities. Last topic is about mathematical creativity viewed from Neural Darwinism. When the brain is faced with a novel problem, it needs to collect all of the necessary concepts(knowledge) from long term memory, make multitudes of connections, and test which ones have the highest probability in helping solve the unusual problem. Having followed the above brain modifying steps, once the brain finally finds the correct response to the novel problem, the final response comes as a form of inspiration. For a novice, the first step of acquisition of knowledge structure is the most important. However, as expertise increases, the latter two stages of making connections and selection become more important.

• School Mathematics
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• v.16 no.4
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• pp.659-675
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• 2014

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of scheme based strategy Instruction on problem solving of word problems of ratio and proportion for students with under achievement or at risk for learning disabilities. Three $7^{th}$ graders of underachieving or at risk LD were participated in this study. Three steps of instructional experiment-testing baseline, intervention with schematic-based strategy, testing for the abilities of problem solving, generalization, & sustainability. The results showed that the schema-based strategy, FOPS was effective method for all three students enhancing problem solving abilities and for generalizing and sustaining the problem solving.

• Journal of Elementary Mathematics Education in Korea
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.353-370
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• 2016

This study examined elementary mathematics teacher's guidebook to determine the inclusion level of 11 critical features of evidence based instruction. And the inclusion level of the features in teacher's guidebook were interpreted as 'Low', 'Middle' and 'High'. The results are as followings. First, The overall inclusion level of the features in teacher's guidebook is 'Middle' The inclusion level of the features in teacher's guidebook for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th were 'Middle' but for 5th and 6th were 'Low'. Second, the inclusion level of the features 'Clarity of Objective', 'Single Concepts and Skill Taught', 'Use of Manipulatives and Representation', 'Explicit Instruction', 'Provision of Examples for new concepts and skill', 'Adequate Independent Practice Opportunities' and 'Progress Monitoring' were 'Middle' The inclusion level of the features 'Review of Prerequisite Mathematical Skills', 'Error correction and Corrective Feedback' and 'Instruction of Strategies' were 'Low'. And discussed the results.