Breaking Barriers in Mathematics: How Prof Ouyang Xiangzi’s award-winning research advances understanding of math learning disabilities
Prof Ouyang Xiangzi, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Lingnan University, recently won the Future Education Early Career Award 2025 from the University of Graz, Austria.
Is poor maths performance a learning disability? Prof Ouyang Xiangzi, Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Lingnan University, explains "Many people are aware of reading disabilities, but few have heard of mathematical disabilities. I believe my research is valuable because to help children with maths disability, the first thing is to raise awareness of the concept of maths disabilities and maths learning difficulties."
Maths disabilities are a specific learning disorder affecting approximately 6% to 8% of the population, and do not reflect intelligence issues. Diagnosing whether a child has a maths disability is a crucial first step in providing effective support.
Prof Ouyang's "Subtypes of mathematics disability: A new classification method based on cognitive diagnostic models and their cognitive–linguistic correlates", plays a vital role in identifying different subtypes of mathematical disabilities, which it is essential to understand in order to develop targeted teaching and intervention strategies.
Her groundbreaking research recently earned Prof Ouyang the Future Education Early Career Award 2025 from the University of Graz, an international prize recognising outstanding achievements in transdisciplinary research in education, learning, development, and teaching. Prof Ouyang, who will accept the award in August in Austria, says "This is undoubtedly explicit recognition of my research."
Speaking of her team's hard work, Prof Ouyang says they had visited 19 primary schools and included 3,000 second-grade students in the study. She and her research team gathered and constantly refined data on performance screenings, teacher reports, standardised tests, language tasks, and response times from over 600 people.
Prof Ouyang explains the innovative aspects of her award-winning research.
Describing the innovative aspects of her research, Prof Ouyang notes "Previous studies treated students with mathematical disabilities as a homogeneous group, often overlooking the significant individual differences and various subtypes. My research identifies these subtypes, contributing to a better understanding of their underlying causes."
She adds, "Another innovation is that past attempts to identify subtypes often relied on a data-driven approach without pinpointing each individual's specific challenges—only their general category. I used a new method based on cognitive diagnostic models to profile each individual accurately, and determine the areas where they face difficulties and those where they show strengths, which allows for personalised interventions."
In addition to improving teaching practices, her research also supports children's personal development. "Telling parents that their child has a maths disability encourages them to seek solutions and understand their child's behaviour better."
Prof Ouyang points out that many studies indicate children with poor maths may face greater difficulties and earn a lower income later in life.
In today's world, fields like artificial intelligence (AI) and computer science rely heavily on mathematics, which is why I am particularly drawn to mathematical cognition.
As an undergraduate, Prof Ouyang had little interest in finance but was fascinated by human behaviour, which led her to pursue psychology. Her inquisitive nature and readiness to tackle problems are key reasons for her commitment to the field of children's cognition.
"Teachers and parents are always searching for ways to engage children’s interest in learning and help them become happier students. Conducting one-on-one research with children poses challenges in assessing their understanding, awareness of our activities, and the accuracy of our testing," she says.
Prof Ouyang prefers applied research that yields practical outcomes and straightforward solutions. In addition to her award-winning research, she received over HK$930,000 from the 2024 RGC Early Career Scheme for a study titled "Young Children’s Development of Spatial Skills: Familial Correlates and Relation to Numerical Skills".
Her research has amassed vast amounts of data, including cognitive assessments, maths and language performance reports, parent questionnaires, and teacher evaluations. Since managing this data efficiently presents a considerable challenge, she is looking into using the latest technology in her research.
"I hope to develop an AI or large language model to filter key data, and allow me to identify mathematical disabilities more swiftly."
Looking ahead, Prof Ouyang intends to raise awareness about mathematical disabilities, and provide specific recommendations for parents and schools based on her original research. She also plans to hold school lectures to help parents create supportive home environments that interest their children in learning.
She urges Lingnan students planning to pursue academic or psychological research not to shy away from difficulties.
In research, if you encounter formidable obstacles, you may be on the right track. We often discover discrepancies between our expectations and hypotheses, impelling us to delve deeper into our studies. Also, continuously questioning the importance of our research generates further reflection and ensures rigour."
Despite her busy schedule, Prof Ouyang likes to travel, and to relax outdoors, hiking and skiing. "I prefer activities that allow me to be fully engaged without distractions, especially from my phone, and I find they really relieve stress."
Prof Ouyang approaches complications with enthusiasm and determination both in her academic pursuits and recreational activities.
Click to read Prof Ouyang's award-winning research: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2024-21639-001
