Improving mathematics performance in 7-year-old children: Training the mapping from estimated quantities to Arabic digits

Exact arithmetic abilities require symbolic numerals, which constitute a precise representation of quantities, such as the Arabic digits. Numerical thinking, however, also engages an intuitive non-linguistic number sense, Approximate Number System (ANS). The ANS allows us to discriminate approximate transformations, and estimate all without counting individual items. Although does not language, estimations made by means can be expressed with words or A connection between school math performance has been established. child’s accuracy in mapping from quantities digits is associated children’s predict their success at learning new skills. Here, we explore whether directly training estimated transfers better proficiency. control was based on discriminating quantity representations, involving Each these three-week computer-based trainings were added schedule. We measured improvements exact after training. Both experimental group improved performance. However, arithmetic, results show that strengthening digit-quantity relation 7-year-olds’ competence additions subtractions over above improvement group. Our speak complexity factors involved developing mathematical abilities, making case particularly effective improving