A Cure for Poor Mathematical Skills?

Let’s face it, some people just aren’t that great at math. In fact, about 20% of the population have difficulty managing numbers. Most people think nothing of it; they assume that outside of their secondary education they are not likely to ever use such mathematical skills. However, having an understanding of numbers and how they relate to each other is much more important than what most previously imagined.

Mathematics provides “logical reasoning, problem solving skills, and the ability to think in abstract ways”. These are the skills that will help people attain higher levels of education and in return yield more employment opportunities with greater salaries. According to neurological researcher at the University of Oxford Cohen Kadosh and his fellow researchers, “The negative impact of numerical difficulties on everyday life is manifested in the lack of progress in education, increased unemployment, reduced salary and job opportunities, and additional costs in mental and physical health.” Since having a greater aptitude for mathematics results in so many benefits to an individuals life, shouldn’t we do our best to try and enhance such numerical abilities?

Kadosh and his colleagues have already begun research on the bio-enhancement of such abilities by passing an electric current through the parietal lobe of subjects. With the right amount of stimulation to the parietal cortex, the researchers found a significant improvement in the mathematical processing of these individuals. The results of the stimulation were found to last up to six months, and although it is not a permanent enhancing procedure, who knows what future research will hold? These advancements will likely benefit the lower socioeconomic classes who already struggle and experience educational setbacks. While it certainly will not “turn you into a genius” as Kadosh states, it will “help children with poor numeracy skills improve their mathematical abilities”, which can then open a door of lifelong opportunities in these individuals’ future. My main concern with this treatment is the long term health effects that may result. However, if Kadosh and his team (or other researches like him) continue to conduct research that shows minimal adverse effects in the long run, I believe this can truly help a lot of struggling individuals out in the future.

Sources:

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn19679-electrical-brain-stimulation-improves-math-skills.html

http://www.practicalethicsnews.com/practicalethics/2010/11/why-bioenhancement-of-mathematical-ability-is-ethically-important.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3APracticalEthics%28PracticalEthics%29

http://www.1888articles.com/advantages-of-learning-mathematics-091omi80r41.html