The Developing Math Brain: An fNIRS Study

Abstract

For decades, researchers have studied the origins of language and its relation to future reading ability. Not only has this research provided a developmental map that allows us to have a better understanding of the normal development of language and reading, but it has also contributed to better instruction methods in language and literacy, as well as presents us with early identification of children at risk for reading impairments. Given that our ability to count is equally as important as knowing how to read in terms of academic achievement (Claessens, 2009; Duncan, 2007; Ginsburg, 2008), it comes as a surprise that there is much less parallel research in the area of mathematics.