VISUAL-SPATIAL REPRESENTATIONS AND MATHEMATICAL PROBLEM SOLVING AMONG MATHEMATICAL LEARNING DISABILITIES
数学学习不良儿童视觉-空间表征与数学问题解决

By using clinical interview, this study investigated mathematical problem solvin g,visual-spatial representations, and spatial visualization ability among 30 children with learning disabilities(MD) and 31 children without MD. The results showed that: Schematic representations promote mathematical problem solving succ ess, but pictorial representations may present an obstacle to mathematical probl em solving. The correlations of spatial visualization ability with mathematical problem solving and with use of schematic representations were positive and sign ificant. The correlations between spatial visualization ability and use of picto rial imagery were negative and significant. Children with MD performed poorer th an those without MD on mathematical problem solving and use of schematic represe ntations. The extent of use of pictorial representations by children with MD was significantly higher than that of those without mathematical learning disab ilities. Both children with MD and without MD performed better and better on mat hematical problem solving and use of schematic representations with the progress of the grade. However, use of pictorial representations declined with the progr ess of the grade among children without MD, but children with MD didn't show the same trend. Spatial visualization ability of both children with MD and without MD improved with the progress of the grade.