When solving mathematical problems, many students know the procedure to get to the answer but cannot explain why they are doing it in that way. According to Skemp (1976) these students have instrumental understanding but not relational understanding of the problem. They have accepted the rules to arriving at the answer without questioning or…

Directions are given for preparing a puzzle that may be used to provide practice in computation. (MP)

Suggested activities involving number patterns, using the idea of a number machine." (MM)

Provides four pages of practice problems covering the skills of multiplication, addition, and subtraction. Follows the premise that many arithmetic operations be done in working toward a solution. The sheets could be photocopied as worksheets or handouts. (JM)

Described are activities and games incorporating a technique of "one step" which is used with children with learning difficulties. The purpose of "one step" is twofold, to minimize difficulties with typical trouble spots and to keep the step size of the instruction small. (Author/TG)

Students who can compute mathematical problems in their heads have learned a skill that is important for estimating and for understanding the number system. Practice activities that can help students master mental computation skills are described. (PP)

The objective of the Easy Math Program is to give all students (not just those with mathematical talent) an intuitive grasp of the quantitative principles on which mathematics is based, so they will be able to execute its basic operations with insight, and move on to its higher concepts with confidence. The program approaches this objective by a…

This guide contains six sections which offer suggested sequential steps for teaching addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fraction concepts and algorithms, and decimal fractions. Based on the manipulative approach, the guide offers activities and teaching methods which give students many opportunities to work with models. This approach…

Activities and games which use dominoes to reinforce basic arithmetic skills are presented. Instructions and materials are provided for the activities and games, most of which involve addition and subtraction. Other skill areas which are covered include recognition and matching of domino patterns, multiplication, and division. A seven-item list of…

Learning the techniques of critical thinking and problem solving can be easy for children when presented problems involving fun topics. Problem sets which range from easy to hard written by elementary school students and educational consultants are included. Topics include addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and fractions. Each topic…

Developed for elementary teachers, this activity unit is designed to teach students the importance of estimation in developing quantitative thinking. Nine ways in which estimation is useful to students are listed, and five general guidelines are offered to the teacher for planning estimation activities. Specific guidelines are provided for…

One of a series of pre-apprenticeship phase 1 training modules dealing with math skills, this self-paced student module covers compound numbers. Included in the module are the following: cover sheet listing module title, goals, and performance indicators; introduction; study guide/check list with directions for module completion; information…

This instructional manual consists of 11 competency-based units for a mathematics course for trade and industrial programs in Texas. Each instructional unit includes the following basic components: unit and specific objectives, notes to the instructor (outline of steps to follow in accomplishing specific objectives), information sheets,…

One of a series of pre-apprenticeship phase 1 training modules dealing with math skills, this self-paced student module covers decimals, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Included in the module are the following: cover sheet listing module title, goals, and performance indicators; introduction; study guide/check list with…

Presents five activities focusing on mental computation and estimation for the K-3, 3-5, 4-6, and 6-8 grade levels that require the student, acting as a judge, to review solutions to problems and to pronounce and justify a verdict. Provides suggested materials, questions, possible extensions, answers, and worksheets for each activity. (MDH)