There seem to be many problems within the American educational system today. Most of the problems refer back to the differences in the students that undergo the education system. Some of these students are handicapped, some are not motivated either at home or by themselves, and some have learning disabilities. The world of learning disabilities is large and seems to receive the least amount of attention. Learning disabilities are apparent in some children while in others they remain hidden. One example of a learning disability exists in children that speak languages different from English, which is spoken the most in schools today. Children that speak different languages seem to have the most trouble in math because their memory works differently, their organizational skills are different and they lack the symbolic understanding that English speaking children possess. Psychologists have also found that there is a link to children with language disabilities, their mathematical skills, and their reading skills. This is especially seen in word problems. “When solving story problems, children must understand complex language and solve problems presented in meaningful contexts.” (Jordan p. 569)
Much like the other problems that exist in these children the problem of memory can be helped. “One has to realize that in both forms of retrieval problems help can only be very indirect; the child needs to learn strategies for self-help.” (Grauberg p. 160) of course this solution is easier said then done. The main idea is to turn a difficult “free recall” into a simpilier easier “cued recall”. This new “cued recall” can also be called recognition. Making up cue games is also a good way to help. The child can begin to recognize the numbers through their associations in the games.