Effectiveness of Number sense Instruction on Improvement of of Preschoolers at Risk of Math Difficulties

This study investigates the effectiveness of a number sense instruction program for children at risk of math difficulties in the preschool age. This program was designed based on the fundamental components of number sense and through a developmental approach (e.g. quantity, number, line number, and connection number). First, 426 preschoolers were selected and assessed through two screening questionnaires (teacher form and parent form) and then, after execution of Jordan’s number sense test and number knowledge on these children, 90 children were identified at risk of math difficulties. Using quasi-experimental and random techniques, subjects were classified into two experimental and control groups The experimental group experienced instructional treatments for number sense for 45 minutes for eight weeks. Then, once again both experimental and control groups were evaluated by Jordan’s number understanding test. The results were analyzed using the MANCOVA method, which indicated a meaningful difference between experimental group students’ progression (under the influence of instructional treatment of number sense) in the items of counting, quantity and number relations with the control groups in post-test. The results also indicate that instruction of number sense for improvement of calculation skills in children with math difficulties would play a preventive role in math disabilities in elder ages.