Two worksheets are given, outlining algorithms to help students determine the day of the week an event will occur and to find the date for Easter. The activity provides computational practice. A computer program for determining Easter is also included. (MNS)

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)

This study of seventh graders investigated the use of the calculator in learning conversion algorithms among fractions, decimals, and percents. The calculator was successful with some topics but not with others. (MP)

An approach is suggested to the use of sets of practice exercises that is more like the actual use of computation by adults and may be more effective in attaining accuracy and speed. (MP)

Describes examples of rational representation as a guide for translating terminology and information encountered in manuals for computers. Discusses four limitations of the representation. (YP)

Describes the algorithm used to select a simple random sample of certain size without having to list all possible samples and a justification based on Pascal's triangle. Provides testing results by various computers. (YP)

Demonstrates how spreadsheets can be used to implement linear system solving algorithms in college mathematics classes. Lotus 1-2-3 is described, a linear system of equations is illustrated using spreadsheets, and the interplay between applications, computations, and theory is discussed. (four references) (LRW)

Based on Piaget's theory that children acquire number concepts by constructing them from within, the authors conclude that teaching algorithms harms mathematics learning. A better approach is allowing them to construct their own logico-mathematical knowledge and invent their own efficient procedures. (JOW)

An algorithm is first defined by an example of making pancakes and then through discussion of how computers operate. The understanding that human beings bring to a task is contrasted with this algorithmic processing. In the second section, the question of understanding is related to learning algorithmic performance, with counting used as the…

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…

Refinements of work with calculator algorithms previously conducted by the author are reported. Work with "chaining" and the doing/undoing property in addition and subtraction was tested with 24 third-grade students. Results indicated the need for further instruction with both ideas. Students were able to manipulate the calculator keyboard, but…

Designed for the student who has acquired basic computational skills with non-negative rational numbers, this guidebook delineates minimum course content to further develop students' computational skills with whole numbers. Place value and estimation are also covered. General goals, performance objectives, a course outline, suggested teaching…

Helping teachers to build a strong bridge from concrete experiences to algorithms is the focus. A detailed sequence of activities is described. (MN)

Instructional sequences are presented for teaching two-digit multiplication and division with one- and two-digit divisors using a base-oriented approach. (MN)

A teaching sequence provides a guide to instruction on initial concepts of fractions, equivalent fractions, and addition with fractions. (MN)