This study examined 11 U.S. textbooks written for prospective teachers to investigate how standard decimal multiplication and division algorithms are presented, especially the rationale of both algorithms. Analytical frameworks of various methods used in different textbooks were developed. The findings suggest that half of the textbooks do not…

The authors have found that having students learn accessible standard algorithms by explaining them using mathematics drawings increases students' sense of place--value numbers and enables students to articulate their understanding of what is actually happening with the numbers and why. In this article, they will discuss three standard algorithms…

Describes a lesson on long division using chip trading which follows that algorithm for long division. (MKR)

Presents several alternatives to customary algorithms for whole number arithmetic. Includes a brief history of each algorithm and discusses why each might be useful for particular kinds of children. (KHR)

Illustrates how upper elementary grade students can develop an understanding of the invert-and-multiply algorithm. (CCM)

Discusses the use of manipulative materials to model operations and algorithms. Indicates that they clarify the several interpretations of each operation, establish a basis for correct mathematical language, and show why algorithms work. (JN)

Reviews research using diagrams, number sentences, and algorithms to help students learn to add and subtract; poses questions on the relationship of instruction to children's knowledge construction; and proposes a research agenda in this area. (86 references) (MKR)

Compares the approaches to teaching division in Britain and in Holland where different emphasis is placed on the development of mental and written methods. Describes how it is common for pupils in Britain to work from an early stage with pencil and paper rather than mentally whereas early emphasis is placed on mental strategies in Holland. (ASK)

Several subtraction algorithms are analyzed to see if they involve borrowing. The main focus is on an analysis of a procedure called the residue method. The operational arithmetic which underlies the symbolic manipulations is examined and conditions where the method does and does not use borrowing are highlighted. (MP)

A process for helping students in the elementary grades develop their own algorithms for subtraction with carrying is described. Pupils choose their own times and ways to move from manipulative materials to written notation. (MP)

Call for reforming mathematics teaching has been sounded loudly and strongly. Change from teaching standard algorithms to having children invent their own methods requires major pedagogical shift. Teachers must trust students' inventiveness and ability to make sense of numerical situations, be committed to thinking and reasoning as cornerstone of…

Fourth graders' (n=117) solutions to addition problems were analyzed in terms of standard or idiosyncratic written algorithms. Students had not previously been taught pencil-and-paper algorithms. Preference for horizontal layout, working from left to right, and a wide variety of written algorithms were found. (Contains 48 references.) (Author/MKR)

Research recurrently indicates that children who have difficulty with arithmetic often use systematic routines that yield wrong answers. Recent research has focused less on identifying the most common errors among groups of children and more on analyzing individual children's errors. This paper considers the source of systematic errors in…

PRODUCED AS PART OF A PROJECT FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF CLASSROOM TEACHING, THIS BOOK DISCUSSES THE BASIC CONCEPTS AND OPERATIONS OF ARITHMETIC WHICH ARE TAUGHT TO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS. THE CONCEPT OF A SET IS USED THROUGHOUT AS A BASIS FOR EXPLANATION, AND THE DISCUSSION STRESSES WAYS BY WHICH STUDENTS CAN BE BROUGHT TO UNDERSTAND THE…

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