TR
EN
Inclusive Mathematics Education and Down Syndrome: Cognitive Foundations and Evidence-Based Teaching Recommendations
Abstract
This study aims to explore the strengths and limitations in the mathematical skills of children with Down syndrome (DS) from an inclusive education perspective. Within the scope of research on inclusive mathematics education, both theoretical and practice-oriented insights have been derived to better understand their mathematical development. The findings indicate that difficulties in language processing, verbal memory, and executive functions directly impact the mathematics learning of children with DS. However, relative strengths in areas such as visual-spatial attention have the potential to positively contribute to learning when supported by appropriate instructional strategies. The mathematical development of children with DS was examined multidimensionally across domains such as counting, cardinality, numerical estimation, and non-symbolic processing. Furthermore, evidence-based recommendations were proposed, emphasizing the use of digital and game-based instructional approaches. Overall, it is highlighted that individualized, multisensory, visually supported, and structured teaching methods play a critical role in enhancing both the academic success and functional life skills of children with DS.
Keywords
References
- Abreu-Mendoza, R. A., & Arias-Trejo, N. (2015). Numerical and area comparison abilities in Down syndrome. Research in Developmental Disabilities, 41–42, 58–65. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2015
- Baroody, A. J. (2006). Why children have difficulties mastering the basic number combinations and how to help them. Teaching Children Mathematics, 13(1), 22-31. https://doi.org/10.5951/TCM.13.1.0022
- Barr, F., & Mavropoulou, S. (2019). Curriculum accommodations in mathematics instruction for adolescents with mild intellectual disability educated in inclusive classrooms. International Journal of Disability, Development and Education, 68(2), 270–286. https://doi.org/10.1080/1034912X.2019.1684457
- Bashash, L., Outhred, L., & Bochner, S. (2003). Counting skills and number concepts of students with moderate intellectual disabilities. International Journal of Disability, Development, and Education, 50(3), 325–345. https://doi.org/10.1080/1034912032000120480
- Belacchi, C., Passolunghi, M. C., Brentan, E., Dante, A., Persi, L., & Cornoldi, C. (2014). Approximate additions and working memory in individuals with Down syndrome. Research in developmental disabilities, 35(5), 1027-1035. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2014.01.036
- Bouck, E. C., & Long, H. (2023). Academic mathematics instruction and intervention for students with mild intellectual disability: An updated review. Education and Training in Autism and Developmental Disabilities, 58(2), 144–161.
- Brigstocke, S., Hulme, C., & Nye, J. (2008). Number and arithmetic skills in children with Down syndrome. Down Syndrome Research and Practice, 74-78.
- Camos, V. (2009). Numerosity discrimination in children with Down syndrome. Developmental Neuropsychology, 34(4), 435–447. https://doi.org/10.1080/87565640902964557
Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Mental Disability Education
Journal Section
Review
Publication Date
June 1, 2025
Submission Date
April 29, 2025
Acceptance Date
May 9, 2025
Published in Issue
Year 2025 Volume: 21 Number: 1
APA
Erdoğan, F., & Kalkan, S. (2025). Inclusive Mathematics Education and Down Syndrome: Cognitive Foundations and Evidence-Based Teaching Recommendations. Journal of Theory and Practice in Education, 21(1), 87-100. https://doi.org/10.17244/eku.1686308
AMA
1.Erdoğan F, Kalkan S. Inclusive Mathematics Education and Down Syndrome: Cognitive Foundations and Evidence-Based Teaching Recommendations. EKU. 2025;21(1):87-100. doi:10.17244/eku.1686308
Chicago
Erdoğan, Fatma, and Sinan Kalkan. 2025. “Inclusive Mathematics Education and Down Syndrome: Cognitive Foundations and Evidence-Based Teaching Recommendations”. Journal of Theory and Practice in Education 21 (1): 87-100. https://doi.org/10.17244/eku.1686308.
EndNote
Erdoğan F, Kalkan S (June 1, 2025) Inclusive Mathematics Education and Down Syndrome: Cognitive Foundations and Evidence-Based Teaching Recommendations. Journal of Theory and Practice in Education 21 1 87–100.
IEEE
[1]F. Erdoğan and S. Kalkan, “Inclusive Mathematics Education and Down Syndrome: Cognitive Foundations and Evidence-Based Teaching Recommendations”, EKU, vol. 21, no. 1, pp. 87–100, June 2025, doi: 10.17244/eku.1686308.
ISNAD
Erdoğan, Fatma - Kalkan, Sinan. “Inclusive Mathematics Education and Down Syndrome: Cognitive Foundations and Evidence-Based Teaching Recommendations”. Journal of Theory and Practice in Education 21/1 (June 1, 2025): 87-100. https://doi.org/10.17244/eku.1686308.
JAMA
1.Erdoğan F, Kalkan S. Inclusive Mathematics Education and Down Syndrome: Cognitive Foundations and Evidence-Based Teaching Recommendations. EKU. 2025;21:87–100.
MLA
Erdoğan, Fatma, and Sinan Kalkan. “Inclusive Mathematics Education and Down Syndrome: Cognitive Foundations and Evidence-Based Teaching Recommendations”. Journal of Theory and Practice in Education, vol. 21, no. 1, June 2025, pp. 87-100, doi:10.17244/eku.1686308.
Vancouver
1.Fatma Erdoğan, Sinan Kalkan. Inclusive Mathematics Education and Down Syndrome: Cognitive Foundations and Evidence-Based Teaching Recommendations. EKU. 2025 Jun. 1;21(1):87-100. doi:10.17244/eku.1686308