Due to the sudden and unexpected move to remote learning in 2020 influenced by COVID-19, both mathematics teacher educators (MTEs) and prospective elementary teachers (PTs) faced a new challenge in creating a productive remote teaching and learning environment. In this study, we used Parrish's (2014) addition strategies and Thanheiser's (2009)…

Despite the importance of computational estimation skill for the improvement of number sense, little research exists on preservice teachers' estimation skills and their view on estimation in the US context. This study examined the computational estimation skill of 58 preservice elementary teachers (PSTs) and its relationship to their views of the…

The research examined the calculation methods used by pupils in Grades 3-6 when they were presented with problems that could be worked out efficiently and flexibly by applying number sense. The study was conducted with a convenience sample of 179 pupils between the ages 7 years and 10 months to 12 years and 10 months. in mainstream education in…

I present a viable learning trajectory for prospective elementary teachers' number sense development with a focus on whole-number place value, addition, and subtraction. I document a chronology of classroom mathematical practices in a Number and Operations course. The findings provide insights into prospective elementary teachers' number sense…

The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of specific, individualized training for students with different levels of mathematical difficulties. Fifty-four students, with either severe or mild math difficulties, were assigned to individualized training or to a control condition. Ten students with severe math difficulties…

This paper reports on a study to examine mental computation strategies used by Year 1, Year 2, and Year 3 students to solve addition and subtraction problems. The participants in this study were twenty five 7 to 9 year-old students identified as excellent, good and satisfactory in their mathematics performance from a school in Penang, Malaysia.…

The aim of this study was to test a training program intended to fine-tune the mental representations of double-digit numbers, thus increasing the discriminability of such numbers. The authors' assumption was that increased fluency in math could be achieved by improving the analogic representations of numbers. The study was completed in the…

Research has established that children's development of addition and subtraction skills progresses through a hierarchy of strategies that begin with counting-by-one methods through to flexible mental strategies using a combination of knowledge of basic facts and understanding of place value. An important transition point is the shift from the…

This article explores the origins and potential benefits of the empty number line for the development of mental computation. It also provides a learner's perspective of its use through the reflections of nine-year-old Emily. (Contains 3 figures.)

Studied for three years were eight Swedish classes with pupils aged 10-12 using calculators whenever they could be of use, along with experimental textbooks. The experimental classes were as competent as control classes in mental arithmetic and calculations with simple algorithms, and had better understanding of numbers and problem solving. (MNS)

Mental arithmetic strategies were studied with 91 Dutch third graders who computed by splitting off 10s and units in both numbers or counting by 10s up or down from the first unsplit number. Results reveal flexibility in changing between and within strategy use. Implications for instruction are discussed. (SLD)

The abacus is a calculating tool that has been used in Asia for thousands of years. Mental abacus calculation is a skill in which an abacus image in the mind is used without the actual physical manipulation of the abacus. Using this method, people can perform extremely rapid and accurate mental calculations. Research indicates that abacus training…

A major goal of instruction is for students to develop competence with numbers. This study attempts to determine the effect of instructional materials that develop number concepts and connect these concepts to mental computation procedures. The study used 16 classes of eighth-grade students and a pretest-posttest design with two treatment groups.…

What students need to know in a world where most computations are done by machine is discussed. Needed changes in the mathematics curriculum are then detailed in relation to mental arithmetic, numeration, decimals and fractions, paper-and-pencil computation, order of operations, problem solving, and instruction on calculator use. (MNS)