The author redefines basic numeracy as the ability to use a four-function calculator sensibly. He then defines "sensibly" and considers the place of algorithms in the scheme of mathematical calculations. (MN)

Results of this study indicated calculator algorithms can serve as an effective alternative instructional strategy where computational skill is an instructional goal. (MP)

Typical instruction of the division algorithm fails to justify why one brings down a number during the process. The construction and use of an aid is described which can be used to help explain the process of division to students. The aid emphasizes place-value aspects. (MP)

How teachers can diagnose difficulties with computation is discussed, with emphasis on how to develop diagnostic tests. How to use such tests to plan remediation is considered in terms of several types of errors. (MN)

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

The changing role of computational skills is discussed. A level of computational skill desirable in light of predictable future needs is proposed, and four reasons for advocating that level are discussed. (MN)

Assessment data on student achievement are analyzed to trace performance on some computational skills, with areas of needed improvement identified. (MN)

Eight sixth-grade students received individualized instruction on the addition and subtraction of fractions in a one-to-one setting for 6 weeks. Instruction was specifically designed to build upon the student's prior knowledge of fractions. It was determined that all students possessed a rich store of prior knowledge about parts of wholes in real…

Research on error patterns associated with whole number computation is reviewed. Details of the results of some of the individual studies cited are given in the appendices. In Appendix A, 33 addition errors, 27 subtraction errors, 41 multiplication errors, and 41 division errors are identified, and the frequency of these errors made by 352…

Two questions were investigated in this study: (1) How did the computational proficiency of sixth graders who had one year's experience with Developing Mathematical Processes (DMP) materials compare with an equivalent group of students who used the usual textbook program; and (2) What occurs when sixth graders study algorithms as sequences of rule…

The author suggests that, through using the outlined question model and suggested classroom activities, elementary students will improve their abilities to analyze routine, one-step word problems and make a plan for the solution. It is further argued that the same algorithm can be applied to multistep problems by using specified questions. (PK)

This study was designed to follow up earlier work on mapping instruction. The two main goals were to: (1) test the effectiveness of mapping instruction as a general cure for "buggy" subtraction algorithms, and (2) explore two alternative explanations of how this new form of instruction works. It was hypothesized that mapping cures bugs…

The use of counting for subtraction was investigated. Counting for subtraction is related to counting-on for addition and to four skills: the ability to use the subtrahend cardinality to gain entry into the count sequence, the ability to use the minuend cardinality to gain entry into the count sequence, the ability to use the count sequence to…

The results of an investigation of the development of children's knowledge of addition and subtraction concepts before they start school are detailed. The purpose of the study was to test the predictions of the three-stage model about the distinctions between the last two stages. Twenty-four children participated in the investigation. None of…

This booklet was written to provide elementary-school teachers with an overview of some of the research results related to the development of computational skills, together with ideas for classroom activities which have grown out of research projects. The booklet is organized into twelve sections, the first of which is devoted to delineating the…