An Eight-Layer Model for Mathematical Cognition

Abstract

In recent years, more and more researchers have been investigating mathematical knowledge, as well as the cognitive skills that seem to be related to the improvement of mathematical thinking, numerical skills, mathematical logic and problem solving techniques. In this paper, we present the cognitive processes that are related to mathematical performance, such as working memory, anxiety, attention, spatial cognition, executive function and phonological awareness. In addition, we refer to metacognitive skills and their role in controlling and regulating cognitive processes, in order to improve mathematical performance. Finally, we present a new taxonomy of mathematical skills, the pyramid of mathematical cognition, as well as their gradual development through the appropriate cognitive and metacognitive mechanisms.