The effects of whole number computation interventions among school students with learning disabilities in Grades K to 5 were examined using a multilevel meta-analysis. Applying a correlated and hierarchical effect model of robust variance estimation, we examined the intervention effects among 15 peer-reviewed articles and dissertations (two…

This study examined interventions for addition and subtraction that were implemented through single-case design (SCD) research studies. We attempted to extend prior SCD meta-analyses by examining differences in effect sizes across several moderating variables and by including a novel index of effect, improvement rate difference (IRD). We also…

The 2011 study, "Benefits of Practicing 4 = 2 + 2: Nontraditional Problem Formats Facilitate Children's Understanding of Mathematical Equivalence," examined the effects of addition practice using nontraditional problem formats on students' understanding of mathematical equivalence. In nontraditional problem formats, operations appear on…

This paper is concerned with the role of meaning and understanding in the acquisition of computational skill in subtraction. Evidence on the syntactic nature of subtraction errors is reviewed, with common "bugs" described. Then, data collected from interviews with four children are summarized in terms of their semantics of concrete…

Use of the commutativity, addition-subtraction complement, and N+1 progression principles was studied by interviewing 54 capable pupils in grades 1-3. Commutativity was used extensively at each grade, while the addition-subtraction principle to solve subtraction varied across grades, and the N+1 pattern was seldom used. (MNS)

The primary objective of this study was to provide an experimental model of children's representations of addition and subtraction concepts viewed as constructed schemes. How children with different counting schemes differ in their addition and subtraction concepts and how the types of problems children solve correlate with the addition and…

This study was an attempt to provide some evidence on the effects of calculator usage with primary-age children. Specifically, the study compared the performance of children who had access to calculators for an extended period of time, and whose teachers used calculators in specified instructional ways, with children who did not have access to…

The purpose of this study was to ascertain whether children in grade 3 who differ in cognitive processing capacity add and subtract differently. The researchers drew upon information from three sources: individual results from a battery of 14 tests, an objective-referenced achievement test measuring a variety of arithmetic skills related to…

The authors attempt to determine the effects of the use of direct and "combinations of tens" methods of two column-addition, ability, and grade level as factors in column addition efficiency. (MN)

Kindergartners appeared to differ in their readiness to use a concrete counting strategy for addition. Many persisted in counting with objects. Mental counting strategies were sequenced. (MNS)

The grade placement of topics in addition and subtraction was compared across the five countries through analysis of textbooks. "Remarkable" uniformity in grade placement was noted for Japan, China, the Soviet Union, and Taiwan, but the United States differed substantially. (MNS)

Presents results from an Australian study examining whether children who use cognitive strategies in solving simple addition questions develop greater proficiency in addition than children who do not use such strategies. Describes the subjects, instruments, procedure, and instructional treatment. Concludes that the development of cognitive…

Findings from a study with first-grade children on addition and subtraction help make a case for a conceptual rather than a mechanized approach to the operations. How base ten blocks were used in the program is illustrated. (MNS)

The effectiveness of the Multisensory Basic Fact Program to teach addition facts to 115 remedial groups in grades two through six in Australian schools was studied. Performance increased between pre- and posttests and was maintained on the retention test. (MNS)

This study documented the spontaneously derived strategies that children use which may play a key role in the transition from counting to recall of number facts. For these strategies, the child uses a small set of known number facts to derive the solution to unknown number facts. How training in the use of derived strategies influences the…