Why do some people struggle to learn math while some others can do so effortlessly? Can the cognitive sciences shed light on how math learning differs between individuals? In this talk, I will summarize what is currently known about the mental processes supporting math learning. Building on research in different disciplines, from neuropsychology to the observation of animal behavior, recent neuroscientific models may have the potential to inform the cognitive dysfunctions that may explain math learning difficulties. Finally, I will present how culture and language may influence the mental processes involved in math learning.
