Mathematical Learning Disability: A Nigerian Perspective of Dyscalculia By Oluga, Samson Olasunkanmi Matric No: Course: Research Methodology Course Code: SZRZ 6014

Meaning of Learning Disability Learning disability is a neurological disorder that negatively affects the skills of speaking, reading, writing, listening, speaking or mathematics. It makes learning extremely difficult for those affected even when they have average intelligence and good instruction from educators.

Main Types of Learning Disability Three main forms of learning disability can be identified from those already extensively researched by experts in fields like education, psychology and neuroscience. These are dyslexia which is the language based learning disability, dysgraphia which is the hand writing learning disorder and dyscalculia which is the mathematics learning disability.

Dyscalculia, Its Greatest Challenge and Panacea The greatest challenge about dyscalculia that happens to be the focus of this present study, just as other forms of learning disability, is that it is not a disease that can be cured. Rather it is a life long disorder that can only be managed. Different intervention strategies have been employed in the developing nations to manage dyscalculics and enhance their learning. They are diagnosed in good time, assigned experts to hold extra classes with them, given luxury of time to assimilate and respond to what they are taught, provided special facilities required to aid their learning and helped by government by taking over of the education of those diagnosed and confirmed.

The Case in a Typical Developing Nation The case of awareness and management of dyscalculia in a typical developing nation may not be the same as what obtains in the aforementioned developed nations of the world. This therefore informs the need to examine dyscalculia within the context of Nigeria.

Objectives of the Study The present study aims at examining the following: (1) The awareness of dyscalculia among Nigerian educators and parents (2) The Knowledge of appropriate intervention strategies of dyscalculia (3) Availability of and accessibility to essential facilities/resources needed by dyscalculics in Nigeria

Research Questions The research questions emanating from the objectives of the study are as follows: (1) Are Nigerian educators and parents really aware of dyscalculia? (2) Do the handlers of dyscalculics know and apply the intervention strategies of dyscaculia? (3) Are the facilities and resources required by dyscalculics available and accessible?

Significance of the Study This study is significant in that it will help to reveal the real situation of things as far as awareness of dyscalculia and its management in Nigeria is concerned. This will pave way for the resolution of revealed problem areas because problems known or revealed are half-solved. Giving the right attention to dyscalculia will ultimately better the lots of those affected.

Scope of the Study Dyscalculia can be as broad as learning disability itself hence, the need to delimit the study. The study will therefore focus dyscalculia proper and not pseudo-dyscalculia or acalculia. The study centres on Nigeria covering both the northern and southern parts of the country. The study focus young learners at the preschool, primary and secondary levels of education and not adult learners of the tertiary institutions.