Davis Math Mastery®

"In a math problem, two pieces of information are always given. Doing math is simply finding the third piece." -- Ronald D. Davis

Davis Math Mastery® provides tools to correct problems learning math. This problem is sometimes called dyscalculia, and often accompanies dyslexia and ADD symptoms.

What is different about the Davis approach to math problems and dyscalculia?

The Davis approach goes to the root of why some people have problems understanding and learning math with traditional teaching methods. Visual-spatial thinkers are easily confused by the "words" that describe math functions. Once the foundation concepts for understanding math are mastered and the math functions can be "seen," math becomes easy. Davis Math Mastery does not use manipulatives, memorization tricks, flashcards, or repetition.

For a visual-spatial thinker, multiplication tables are easy to "see" when represented as above.

In "The Gift of Dyslexia" (Perigee, 1997), Ronald D. Davis describes how the natural ability of some people to use multi-dimensional thinking (disorientation) as part of their thought process can affect their ability to learn math concepts as children, and carry over into adulthood.

"Disorientation is a constant mental companion to dyslexic children. As they go through childhood, distorted perception is as common as actual perception. Because of this, most dyslexic children have little sense of time. Most children experience time rather consistently. They can estimate the passage of time with fair accuracy. For the dyslexic, time has never been consistently experienced, so estimating its passage may be impossible.

"Without an inherent sense of time, understanding the concept of sequence-the way things follow each other, one after another, would be difficult if not impossible.

"Without the concepts of time and sequence, an accurate understanding of the concept of "order versus disorder" is doubtful.

"All math, from simple arithmetic to astrophysics calculus, is composed of order (versus disorder), sequence, and time. Children who have an inherent sense of these three concepts can easily learn and understand math. For children who do not possess these concepts, learning math is reduced to memorization. The extent to which they will be able to use math is limited by their ability to remember the rote procedures and math facts. Without an understanding of these underlying concepts, there will never be any real understanding of the subject or its principles.

"What problems and symptoms does Davis Math Mastery solve?

• Frustration, difficulty, or failure with:
• Learning math facts like basic addition or multiplication tables.
• Counting or estimation
• Telling time or keeping track of time
• Reading or using a calendar
• Making change
• Balancing a checkbook
• Sequencing and Logic

Davis Math Mastery® Programs address:

• foundation concepts for understanding and learning math
• counting, numerals and numbers
• place value
• arithmetic operations
• fractions and decimals
• word problem comprehension

Like Davis Dyslexia Correction®, the first step in Davis Math Mastery is to enable children and adults to control disorientation. Once students can be sure that their perceptions are accurate, they can resolve any confusions about math with methods that build upon their creative and imaginative strengths.

What if there are other learning problems?

The Davis Math Mastery Program is provided to individuals, age eight and up, who are primarily motivated to resolve difficulties with mathematics. It can usually be completed in five days, but in some instances may require additional days. For clients with other learning problems, such as with reading or attention focus, the Davis Math Mastery program may be recommended after first completing a basic five-day Davis Dyslexia Correction Program. An initial consultation and interview would determine the ideal strategy.

What improvements can be expected?

Participants can expect improvement in the following areas:

1. Basic Concepts: Counting, Quantities, Sequence, Whole Numbers
2. Operations: Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Division
3. Applications: Time, Calendars, Measurement, Money, Estimation, Story Problem Comprehension
   
   The sum total is confidence and certainty about math!

Basic Outline of a Davis Math Mastery Program

• Davis Perceptual Ability Assessment and Symptoms Profile Interview
• Davis Orientation Counseling®
• Mastery of basic language symbols, as needed
• Introduction to Davis Symbol Mastery®
• Mastery of the foundation concepts underlying all mathematics: Change, Cause-Effect, Before-After, Consequence, Time, Sequence, and Order vs. Disorder
• Davis Math Function Exercises: Twelve exercises which quickly lead to competency with dividing three-place numbers including decimals.
• Symbol Mastery practice on Story Problem Trigger Words: For example the word "by." The common meaning in everyday language would be "close to." There are two separate meanings which must be mastered for accurate comprehension in math -- for multiplication the meaning would be "using as a multiplier," and for division the meaning would be "into groups of."
• Comprehension practice reading story problems, as needed.
• Symbol Mastery on Key glossary words of math text book, if needed.
• Results Assessment Interview
• Support training for teachers, tutors, parents and helpers
• A Student Backpack Kit with a manual and materials necessary for successful follow-up to the program. (Follow up consists of mastering the meanings of 21 "trigger words" which describe math functions.)

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