The Case Study On Mathematical Academic Ability Of Children With Mild Mental Retardation Learning In Regular Class

Mathematical academic ability includes computing power, logical thinking and spatial imagination. It plays an important role in basic education of primary and secondary. As the special nature of mathematics, children with mild mental retardation have difficulties in learning mathematics. However, at present our country doesn't have detailed measures and methods to carry out mathematics education of children with mild mental retardation learning in regular class. Therefore, we need a case study of these students' mathematical academic ability. According to the results of study, we could know their status of mathematics academic ability and their learning process of mathematics, then offer effective suggestions for mathematics education.In this study, three children with mild mental retardation are selected, who are in grade 3-5 and come from ordinary schools in Shanghai.Through case tracking, this study focus on these students'mathematical academic ability and actual state of mathematics learning, and analyze the factors related to the formation of mathematical ability.The results showed that:First, overall, children with mild mental retardation have low level of mathematical academic ability, and with the growth of grade, their abilities will be increased.Second, in the numbers, digits and calculation, three cases have certain mathematical calculation ability. They can achieve middle level through practice. It is difficult for them to grasp the understanding and application of knowledge.Third, in the equations and algebra, it is difficult for them to change the way of thinking to establish the concept of equation.Fourth, in the graphics and geometric, due to lack of spatial imagination, they can't understand concepts and solve problems with geometric knowledge.Fifth, in the data statistics and probability, they can classify and count in accordance with the standards given. But it is difficult for them to get useful information from a number of information to solve problem.Sixth, low mathematics achievement is mainly due to poor learning ability. Learning interest, attention, student study habits, teaching methods, parent guidance is also the factors of low achievement.Based on above results, the researcher proposed the following suggestions for the education of children with mild mental retardation:suitable deletion of the course content, stimulating interest in learning mathematics, deepening the understanding of numbers and equations through a variety of mathematical activities, building spatial concept with objects, training statistics and sorting capabilities through the life experience and so on.