Significant differences were found favoring skill-deficient second-graders (N=10) provided with repeated preteaching trials on a selected component skill of a subtraction algorithm before they worked the entire algorithm over students (N=10) who, from the beginning of training, received systematic instruction on working the entire algorithm.…

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 author argues that children not only can but should create their own computational algorithms and that the teacher's role is "merely" to help. How children in grades K-3 add and subtract is the focus of this article. Grouping, directionality, and exchange are highlighted. (MNS)

This study assessed the extent to which procedurally proficient children (N=34) construct the part/whole logical structure that underlies the borrowing algorithm in subtraction. Results indicate that an understanding of the part/whole logic of number may be necessary to understand place value and borrowing. (TJH)

Discusses using what students already know about taking away objects when teaching subtraction and gives six lessons to develop language for discussing and recording subtraction situations that give meaning to the subtraction algorithm. (MKR)

This paper presents an examination of the construction of logic in multidigit subtraction. Interviews were conducted with 90 grade 2 and grade 3 students to determine whether they understood the logic of borrowing and whether the construction of the logic was related to procedural expertise or corresponding conceptual knowledge. Of 34 students…

Prior studies indicate that, given time to develop their own algorithms, primary students will process multidigit addition or subtraction problems from left to right. Gives evidence to support that idea, describes methods of getting students to invent their own algorithms, and discusses advantages of child-invented procedures. (21 references) (MDH)