Looking beyond the performance of grave underachievers in mathematics

The authors present the cases of two pupils who both show very serious, apparently similar learning difficulties, mainly in mathematics. An analysis beyond appearance of their learning activities revealed remarkable differences between them, in terms of both weaknesses and strengths. The authors point out that when teachers are planning remedial interventions for pupils with severe learning difficulties, they must evaluate individual differences carefully, paying attention not only to difficulties but also to potentialities and points of strength.