Dept of Mathematics Education seminar: 21 May 2025

[14:00-15:00] (40 mins Presentation + 20 mins Q&A): Kinga Morsanyi

[ K.E.Morsanyi@lboro.ac.uk ]

Developmental dyscalculia: Reflections on recent research and theorising

Abstract

[tba]

[15:15 – 15:50] Paper discussion

[16:00-17:00]  (40 mins Presentation + 20 mins Q&A): Joanne Eaves

Loughborough University

[ J.Eaves@lboro.ac.uk ]

The development of interference and the role of inhibitory control in multiplication fact learning and retrieval

Abstract

Fluency with multiplication facts provides a strong foundation for future mathematics learning. Models of number fact storage and retrieval suggest that multiplication facts are stored in an associative network whereby neighbouring facts (e.g. 6 × 7 and 6 × 8) can interfere with one another. However, while these models account for the skilled retrieval of number facts, we know little about how interference develops during learning and the mechanism through which this is resolved. In this talk I will present the findings from a series of studies that investigate (a) the development of interference during the learning of multiplication facts, and (b) the role of inhibitory control in resolving that interference. Study 1 tracked 50 adults as they learnt a new set of multiplication facts, and monitored the development of cognitive interference between those facts during their learning. Study 2 investigated the role of inhibitory control in resolving interference between multiplication facts, through experimental manipulations. I discuss the findings in light of existing theoretical models of multiplication fact knowledge, and discuss their implications for education.