Early mathematical learning dynamics in the developing brain

Introduction

Mathematical thinking is one of the most remarkable human cognitive abilities, but unfortunately, not all individuals are equal concerning those abilities. Becoming numerate is a long-lasting learning process in which the early stages are of paramount importance to ensure positive future outcomes. However, the neural bases supporting these early abilities and the path to inter-individual differences remain elusive.

Objectives of MATHWAVES

MATHWAVES aims at understanding the neural mechanisms supporting the emergence of the early steps of mathematical learning. The project will focus on several key areas:

1. Longitudinal Framework: A longitudinal framework will test whether the developmental trajectory of audio-visual integration of numerical formats is the gateway to mathematical abstraction.

2. Cross-Sectional Comparisons: Cross-sectional comparisons will assess the balance between brain networks engaged in efficient implicit and explicit numerical processing.

3. Brain Plasticity Investigation: We will investigate whether mathematical learning is associated with brain plasticity at different timescales: the slow changes across development vs. the short-term changes while processing numbers.

Developmental Changes

We will highlight the developmental changes in long-lasting or transient properties of the brain’s functional organization that explain the fluctuations in mathematical abilities within and across individuals.

Methodology

Through a novel combination of frequency-based and functional connectivity approaches implemented in magnetoencephalography, MATHWAVES will dynamically track early mathematical learning and neuroplastic changes associated with the emergence of those abilities.

Significance

Characterizing the neurocognitive mechanisms of early mathematical learning at different timescales represents a complete paradigm shift that is imperative to understand learning dynamics at the onset of human mathematical thinking and individual differences.

Broader Implications

MATHWAVES tackles the broader question of how learning reshapes the developing brain and enables several groundbreaking new avenues for research, but also future diagnosis and remedial techniques.