How the Brain Learns Mathematics

"Teaching mathematics without having read How the Brain Learns Mathematics is like trying to master tennis without a coach. Sousa′s book is a tour de force: It builds a solid bridge from cognitive neuroscience to daily classroom practice. Every teacher of mathematics will benefit from this well-researched, well-organized, thoughtful, and practical approach to making math instruction align with how brains learn." -- Spencer Kagan., Publisher/Professional Developer

"David Sousa’s How the Brain Learns Mathematics, Second Edition is a wonderfully readable presentation of how neuroscience and cognitive psychology can inform the teaching of mathematics in elementary and secondary schools. Sousa engages his readers intellectually with recent research on the brain and mathematics learning, and avoids pat answers where the evidence is suggestive rather than conclusive. The book should be a valuable text for teachers who want a deeper insight into thinking processes behind the learning and teaching of math."

-- Robert E. Slavin, Director

"David Sousa has done it again!  He has produced a highly-relevant, exceptionally practically, research focused book that will build better mathematics brains in classrooms and schools."

-- John T. Almarode, Assistant Professor of Education

"Sousa nailed it with these powerful insights on mathematics instruction. Teachers simply have to understand how students learn in order to provide top-notch instruction, and the specific teaching suggestions herein are invaluable! I love the three tier structure, emphasizing differences in teaching Pre-K and K, Pre-adolescent brains, and adolescent brains, and the emphasis on number sense at all levels is essential in the classroom today. Math teachers will apply these critical lessons immediately in their classes, and I’d urge every mathematics teacher and every elementary teacher to get this book!"

-- William N. Bender, Author and Educational Consultant
From a review in NCTM’s Mathematics Teaching in the Middle School:
"Classroom teachers, administrators, and math coaches will appreciate the research-based explanations for why mathematics instruction that focuses on meaning making, connections, and processes is so important."  -- Mary Alice Carlson
"Few other books discuss the scientific way the brain is mathematically wired while maintaining relevance to those interested in K–grade 12 education. Readers can expect to gain a deeper understanding of why students learn certain concepts easily and struggle with others and why the battle for successful student learning in mathematics is ever-changing. This book is not merely a collection of lesson plans and activities; it is also a deeper investigation into the science of mathematical learning and inspires readers to continue their own learning into the fascinating world of education." -- Nikki Armstrong, Mathematics Teacher