We’ve screened out our mathematical mind

OUR current problem with maths has been predictable for going on 40 years.

I forecast it in my 1971 book, The Switched-Off, and again and again every autumn as exam results highlighted it.

At root it is due to the mental visual bias nurtured by screens — TV, mobile phones, internet and computer.

That bias could be offset by old-style numeracy schooling that develops brain connections enough for the non-visual brain activity that underpins mathematics thinking.

That hasn’t been done and isn’t being done enough now.

This is the elephant in the room that cosseted public policymakers refuse to see.

Joseph F Foyle

Sandford Road

Ranelagh

Dublin 6