This study investigated the effect of initial instruction on the processes children use to solve basic addition and subtraction verbal problems. Prior to instruction and following a 2-month introductory unit on addition and subtraction, 43 first-grade children were individually tested on verbal problems representing different models of addition…

The study investigated children's ability to write number sentences for simple addition and subtraction word problems. The results suggest that open number sentences may provide mathematical symbolism that allows young children to build on informal strategies for presenting and solving simple word problems. (Author/PK)

This study used knowledge derived from classroom-based research on teaching and laboratory-based research on children's learning to improve teachers' classroom instruction and students' achievement. Twenty first-grade teachers, assigned randomly to an experimental treatment, participated in a month-long workshop in which they studied findings on…

Presents a three-year longitudinal study investigating the development of children's (n=82) understanding of multidigit number concepts and operations in grades one through three by using interview processes. Provides an existence proof that children can invent strategies for adding and subtracting and illustrates both what that invention affords…