A study of prevalence and demographic correlates of developmental dyscalculia in punjab

Abstract

ABSTRACT newlineThe aim of the current study is to investigate about the prevalence of developmental dyscalculia and relationship of developmental dyscalculia with self esteem, academic achievement and learning disability. This study explored the prevalence of developmental dyscalculia within a state of Punjab, comprising four districts (namely Patiala, Sangrur, Mohali and Bathinda). Sample consists of 420 students in government schools of Punjab at elementary level. Self structured questionnaire was prepared to know the prevalence of developmental dyscalculia. Learning disability and self-esteem scale was also used to know the relationship between developmental dyscalculia and its correlates. Academic achievement record of the students was also taken. Exploratory and descriptive statistics were used to analyze responses. The prevalence of developmental dyscalculia and its impact on school students were analyzed and compared with respect to variables viz. gender, location. 6.8 percent of students have difficulty in reading and comprehension in Punjab. 6.8 percent of students have issues in understanding concepts and symbols. An average of 6.9 percent of students have issues with number sequence and mathematical facts. 6.6 percent of the students in Punjab face problems in complex thinking and flexibility. Average of 7.2 percent of students were unable to give correct response to simple mathematical tasks. 6.6 percent number of students had problems while solving questions related logical understanding. Approximately 6.8% of elementary students in Punjab had the symptoms of developmental dyscalculia which is a learning disability of numerical processing. It is found that when developmental dyscalculia exists then self esteem decreases to a significant level and it effects academic achievement also. In future, experimental research could be undertaken so as to examine the ways and means of solving problems faced by victims of developmental dyscalculia and remedies used to tackle it. The scope of sample could be broadened