Numerical Cognition - Numbers, Maths Anxiety and Beyond with Dr. Mila Marinova

If you're curious about the complexities of cognitive psychology and want to learn more about how we perceive numbers and deal with maths anxiety, this episode with Dr. Mila Marinova from University of Luxembourg is a must-listen.

One of the key points discussed was the prevalent issue of maths anxiety, which affects many individuals and often leads to a fear of mathematical tasks. Mila highlighted that maths anxiety is distinct from general anxiety and can significantly hinder one's performance in mathematics. 

We also explored the impact of language on learning, especially in a multilingual context like Luxembourg. Mila noted that language proficiency is crucial for mastering mathematical concepts, as many students struggle when they are not fluent in the language of instruction. This is particularly relevant for children who are learning to count and understand numbers, as their grasp of these concepts can be influenced by their linguistic abilities.

As Mila is also an experienced science communicator, we talked in general about cognitive psychology and the inspirations for her posts on Instagram. Make sure you have time to listen to this amazing episode!

USEFUL LINKS

Mila's Instagram account: https://www.instagram.com/dr.mila.marinova/

Mila's Website: https://milamarinova.com/

David Eagleman's "Livewired" - https://eagleman.com/books/livewired/

Paper about GenAi and counting - https://arxiv.org/abs/2402.03328

Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Sciences at the University of Luxembourg - https://www.uni.lu/fhse-en/research-departments/department-of-behavioural-and-cognitive-sciences/