Student performance on division exercises in the recent National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) is reviewed. Pupil performance on selected exercises is reported and followed by some suggestions for improvement in the teaching of this skill. (MP) Aspect of National Assessment (NAEP) dealt with in this document: Results (Utilization).

The method described here converts a given problem in a base other than ten to a related problem in base ten, solves the related problem in base ten, and converts the answer back to the original base. Limitations are discussed. (MP)

Three short essays provide teaching suggestions for lessons on base two, order of operations, and ratios used to motivate a number of mathematical ideas. (MK)

Outlines various subtraction methods, such as the decomposition method, equal-addends method, and low-stress algorithm. Describes a subtraction method by addition of complements. Discusses the advantages and disadvantages of the method. (YP)

Renaming fractions with the dot method is described with illustrations. It can be used to introduce renaming at the manipulative level in a meaningful way prior to moving to a more abstract level where prime factorization will be involved. (MNS)

This article discusses the use of concrete materials as conceptual models which serve as references for later learning of algorithms. (DT)

Data from the 1977-78 mathematics assessment of the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) on the use of calculators are discussed. (MP) Aspect of National Assessment (NAEP) dealt with in this document: Results (Interpretation).

Three alternative methods of finding averages of two numbers are presented. (MP)

An algorithm is provided for generating as many desired digits in the decimal representation of a rational number on a calculator. It may be used whenever the number of digits displayed on the calculator exceeds the number of digits in the denominator. (JT)

A survey of general mathematics students whose teachers were taking an inservice workshop revealed that they had not yet mastered division. More direct introduction of the standard division algorithm is favored in elementary grades, with instruction of transitional processes curtailed. Weaknesses in transitional algorithms appear to outweigh…

Students who were unsuccessful in performing long division were taught to use a successive subtractions algorithm. (SD)

Various algorithms used in addition, subtraction, and division problems were identified. The percentages of people in the National Assessment survey populations using each method are reported, as are the percentages of those using the most popular methods who answered correctly. Implications for instruction are discussed. (SD) Aspect of National…

How graph paper has been used to illustrate the algorithm for division of fractions is presented. The combined use of graph paper and an overhead projector can make the presentation even more convincing. A review of whole number division is recommended prior to the lesson. (MP)

Activities are given to assist students in seeing a rationale for the difficult algorithms we teach for fractions. Both interpretations of fractions and operations with fractions are discussed. (MNS)

Argues that the type of calculator that is used in mathematics instruction is very important. Suggests that four-function calculators fail to give correct values of mathematical expressions far more often than do scientific calculators. (PK)