In mathematics education, there has been tension between deep learning and repetitive learning. Western educators often emphasize the need for students to construct a conceptual understanding of mathematical symbols and rules before they practise the rules (Li, 2006). On the other hand, Chinese learners tend to be oriented towards rote learning…

Six elementary-age children with learning disabilities were found to learn subtraction facts more rapidly when a rule teaching and correction strategy was employed, compared to learning facts by rote. A study of generalization of rule usage found that the two children studied did generalize the strategy to an additional problem. (Author/JDD)