Children’s arithmetic skills do not transfer between applied and academic mathematics - Nature

Research comparing arithmetic skills between Indian children working in markets and those attending school reveals a stark divide in mathematical abilities, with working children excelling at complex real-world calculations but struggling with basic academic math, while school children show the opposite pattern. Working children demonstrated superior mental arithmetic and problem-solving in market contexts, but only 32% could solve basic written division problems, highlighting a critical gap between practical and academic mathematics education.