Instruction in estimation is proposed as a natural context to develop and practice important thinking skills. These skills are described and estimation activities are proposed for each. (MNS)

Computational strategies and estimating abilities of 466 Japanese students were tested and interviews with a subsample of that group were used to compare with a theoretical model based on a sample from the United States. Results of the comparison of computational and estimating abilities are presented. (CW)

Computational estimation is viewed as perhaps the most neglected skill area in the mathematics curriculum. Results of interviews led to the formulation of a model of the common characteristics of good estimators. The hope is expressed that the key processes and strategies identified in the investigation will be studied carefully. (MP)

This study focuses on the mental processes used during estimation. This research: (1) developed an operational definition of estimation; (2) created an instrument to identify exceptionally good estimators; (3) collected performance level data on 1187 subjects; (4) constructed interview problems and developed protocols to identify the thinking…