How Studying Math Aids Brain Development

As students advance to higher grades they’re given more freedom to choose the discipline they would like to study and pick subjects of their choice. But if there’s one subject that remains consistent across all disciplines, in different educational systems and countries is math. Studying math is useful for people with varied interests and skills. Here’s what taking online A Level courses in mathematics can do for your brain development.

During Early Education

Maths is taught to children from a preschool level. This is because it plays an essential role in the brain development of children from a young age. It can teach them calculations, which are an essential life skill, but also improve their critical thinking skills.

According to a study at Stanford University, brain scans of second and third-graders depicted that a year’s worth of math lessons showed unexpectedly transformative changes in their approach to problem-solving. Scientists found a major change in the responses of two different regions of the brain to various mathematical problems.

In Adolescence

Students who receive a mathematical education during their adolescent years have shown greater signs of enhanced brain activity. A study shows that in the same setting, students who didn’t have access to math education showed lower brain inhibition levels in a significant area that plays a major role in reasoning and cognitive learning.

This shows that mathematical knowledge can impact a person’s brain functioning not just during their childhood but also as they grow older and enter adolescence.

Studying Math Beyond GCSEs

Brain development doesn’t just stop there. If a student continues studying maths beyond their adolescent years and GCSEs, their brain development also continues. Research found that students who dropped mathematics at age 16 and beyond have lower levels of brain chemicals required in the cognitive development process compared with those who continue studying math.

They have better cognitive skills including sustained attention, logic and reasoning, retention and processing abilities compared to their peers. These abilities can be useful in various walks of life.

Now that you’re aware of what studying mathematics can do for your brain development, it’s time to get started. Learning never stops and if you’ve already completed your GCSEs, then why not take some A Level courses as well?

Oxford Learning College is an online study college for students in the UK. We offer distance learning online A Level courses in two forms. Students can either take the standard A Level courses and get their certificate in two years or opt for fast track A Levels online which allows them to complete two years worth of courses in just one.

If you’re interested in taking online A Level courses in UK, get in touch with us here.