How to Begin Teaching Mathematics to Learners with Special Educational Needs

Abstract

The author presents the experience of teaching mathematics to learners with special needs who are able to learn, in the form of basic mathematics teaching steps on number sense. It consists of 7 steps in 2 modules to show that Module 1 of number sense must occur before Module 2 can take place. Module 1 consists of 1) understanding numerical concepts, counting, and ordinal numbers, 2) understanding various relationships between numbers, 3) understanding the relative magnitude of numbers, 4) knowing the relative results of operations. Module 2 consists of 5) the ability to develop references for measuring quantities of objects in different situations in the environment, 6) the ability to mentally calculate flexibly, 7) the ability to estimate values. Number sense is essential in developing basic mathematical learning abilities for children with special needs to apply them in their daily lives and future careers. Learners will be trained to think logically (Logic), have steps (Algorithm), and have a structured relationship pattern (Patterns and Relationships). Learners will learn to recognize mathematical symbols in communicating the meaning of equations, as well as the rules, theorems, and operations of mathematics including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, in order to apply new approaches to learning mathematics. This will address abilities in language, calculation, and reasoning simultaneously (Literacy, Numeracy, and Reasoning Abilities).