The Second International Congress on Mathematics Learning Difficulties Has Concluded!

The Second International Congress on Mathematics Learning Difficulties, hosted by Ankara University Faculty of Educational Sciences between September 19-21, 2024, brought together current scientific approaches and research related to mathematics learning difficulties, particularly dyscalculia. The event provided an interdisciplinary sharing and collaboration platform by bringing together academics, educators, researchers, and experts at national and international levels.

Opening Conference and Important Speeches
The opening speeches were delivered by Prof. Dr. Selahiddin Öğülmüş, Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof. Dr. Sinan Olkun, Honorary President of the Association, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yılmaz Mutlu, Congress President. These speeches emphasized the effects of mathematics learning difficulties in the education system; the potential contributions of scientific research to this field and the importance of early intervention were discussed.

The opening conference was presented by Dr. Karin Kucian, internationally recognized for her work on early diagnosis and prevention of dyscalculia. This presentation demonstrated the positive effects of early diagnosis and intervention strategies on students’ academic success with concrete examples. Additionally, leading academics in the field such as Prof. Dr. David C. Geary, Prof. Dr. Daniel Ansari, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Fırat Soylu added value to the congress with their striking talks addressing mathematics learning difficulties from neuroscience and psychology perspectives.

Scientific Sessions and Panels
Numerous papers were presented within the scope of the congress in the field of mathematics learning difficulties. These papers covered a wide range of topics including:

• neuropsychological assessment and tests,
• strategies for coping with math anxiety,
• individualized education methods,
• applications for increasing teacher awareness,
  providing participants with a multi-faceted perspective.

Additionally, the panel titled “Diagnosing Dyscalculia: Current Approaches and Methods” with field experts garnered great interest. In this panel, innovative diagnosis and assessment methods such as “Dyscalculia Screener,” “Response to Intervention,” and “Diagnosing Dyscalculia with Discrepancy Model and Multiple Tools” were discussed in detail; advantages and limitations of different diagnostic models were addressed.

Scientific Collaborations and Future Vision
Speaking at the closing session, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yılmaz Mutlu expressed his satisfaction with the successful completion of the event and once again emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in mathematics learning difficulties. Mutlu also announced that the Third International Congress on Mathematics Learning Difficulties will be organized in collaboration with Atatürk University on September 4-6, 2025, stating that this process will create new opportunities for scientific knowledge production and social awareness.

Acknowledgments and Future Steps
We extend our sincere thanks to all academics, session chairs, speakers, and participants who contributed to the realization of this important congress. The event not only raised awareness about dyscalculia but also established a valuable foundation for developing educational policies and disseminating individualized teaching strategies. We believe that the knowledge and experiences shared throughout the congress will illuminate future applications aimed at improving students’ mathematical skills and self-confidence.