The Importance Of Math To Brain Development.

It is well known that math has a lot to do with encouraging specific aspects of brain development.  In addition, math and brain development are closely related so when students learn math, their cognitive processes are being engaged and brain development is stimulated in a variety of ways.

In addition, many of these skills they learn that develop their brains, can also be applied in real life.  Skills from problem solving skills, recognizing patterns, and so much more. 

First, when students learn and practicer mathematics, they are strengthening neural connections within the brain. As students engage in mathematical activities such as solving problems, manipulating numbers, new connections are formed between the brain cells thus enhancing brain development. This also helps with the neuroplasticity of the brain causing it to strengthen its ability to learn and problem solve.

In addition, mathematics requires students to practice critical thinking, logical reasoning, and problem solving skills.  When students regularly participate certain types of mathematical activities, they develop these cognitive abilities which benefit them in other parts of their lives.

Furthermore, math often has students using spatial relationships, practicing visualization of objects and manipulating geometric shapes in both 2D and 3D. Using these skills in math helps student develop the brain functions associated with visualization and spacial perception and their use in other areas.

Mathematics also helps students develop their memory and recall because students are expected to memorize multiplication tables, memorizing and recalling formulas, concepts, and processes.  This helps students strengthen their memories while improving the brains ability to retrieve information to be used in both in and out of school. 

Problem solving in mathematics has students breaking down complex situations into smaller easy to do steps and finding Stratagies to solve these situations. The analytical skills learned in this situation contributes to higher order cognitive skills.  The same skills used in math to identify patterns and relationships help the brains ability to recognize patterns in the real world.

Finally, math has students planning tasks, organize information, and manage time, all skills that are needed in other jobs and in life.  The brain practices using these tasks and is able to transfer the same skills to projects in real life.  So anytime your students ask why learn math, you can answer this by talking about how it benefits them and their brain.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.