Brain Imaging in Mathematics Education: An Analysis of KCI Studies

This study reviews the application of EEG, fMRI, and fNIRS in mathematics educationresearch in South Korea, analyzing 16 significant papers from the last 25 years. The resultsdemonstrate a significant relationship between brainwave patterns and various aspects ofmathematical learning. EEG studies highlighted the role of different brainwaves in mathanxiety, computation, and problem-solving. fMRI research revealed the importance ofwhole brain activation in spatial and numerical processing. Studies using fNIRS emphasizedthe prefrontal cortex's involvement in mathematical tasks, particularly in spatial andcomputational tasks. Conclusions highlight the need for math learning programs thatenhance brain connectivity and consider problem difficulty and learner preferences. Thestudy advocates for more research on the prefrontal cortex, particularly in relation to mathanxiety, and emphasizes the importance of brain imaging techniques in understandingcognitive processes in math education, suggesting an integrated approach in future research.