Intervention in Mathematical Skills: Number Sense

The chapter addresses a basic mathematical skill: number sense. It describes that intervention in this skill is crucial for addressing low math achievement levels, which affects many students from an early age. The authors discuss the concept of number sense, its importance for math competence, and its assessment, which can be done through tasks involving counting, estimation, and understanding numbers. For the authors, intervention in this area seeks to identify and address math learning difficulties, focusing on preventive and remedial strategies. However, many educational practices have not yet effectively incorporated this concept, resulting in a lack of understanding and inadequate teaching for students with difficulties. More emphasis must be placed on teaching basic numeracy skills, counting strategies, and memory retrieval. In addition, it is important to consider students’ cognitive abilities when planning instruction. The constant exchange between academic research and classroom practice, along with evidence-based intervention materials and programs, can improve early mathematics instruction and benefit both students and teachers.