Fluency in mathematics is more than adeptly using basic facts or implementing algorithms. It is not about speed or recall. Real fluency is about choosing strategies that are efficient, flexible, lead to accurate solutions, and are appropriate for the given situation. Developing fluency is also a matter of equity and access for all learners. The…

Matrices occupy an awkward spot in a typical algebra 2 textbook: sandwiched between solving linear systems and solving quadratics. Even teachers who do not base their course timeline and pacing on the class textbook may find a disconnect between how matrices are taught (procedurally) and how other topics are taught (conceptually or with real-world…

Often, students who solve fraction tasks respond in ways that indicate inadequate conceptual grounding of unit fractions. Many elementary school curricula use folding, partitioning, shading, and naming parts of various wholes to develop children's understanding of unit and then nonunit fractions (e.g., coloring three of four parts of a pizza and…

For centuries, the basic operations of school mathematics have been identified as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Notably, these operations are "basic," not because they are foundational to mathematics knowledge, but because they were vital to a newly industrialized and market-driven economy several hundred years…

In this article, Lorraine Jacob and Joanne Mulligan discuss how arrays can be used to promote students' early learning in relation to multiplication and division. They provide examples of activities that can be used from Foundation to Year 5.

This book identifies and examines two big ideas and related essential understandings for teaching multiplication and division in grades 3-5. Big Idea 1 captures the notion that multiplication is usefully defined as a scalar operation. Problem situations modeled by multiplication have an element that represents the scalar and an element that…

Most people struggle to process information auditorily but this is often the way that it is taught. Presents a highly effective method for teaching multiplication that can be accessed at students' fingertips. (ASK)

Presents an activity on visualizing fingers for arithmetic, counting, and multiplication. (ASK)

Use of an ancient method of mental calculation with aliquot parts is illustrated. Other tips for helping children reason are also included. (MNS)

Describes teaching methods and student-created methods for conceptualizing multiplication with rational numbers. (YDS)

Discusses an approach to teaching multiplication that establishes an association between what is learned and what is already known. Notes that this technique recognizes the qualities of a set of facts has in common, applies this knowledge to the grouping of facts, presents a visual illustration of the multiplication table, and offers an…

Describes a technique from Japan, the lesson study, where teachers study ways of teaching one lesson for several hours while focussing on the concepts of multiplication and division. (ASK)

Arrays are seen as excellent models for beginning multiplication examples, but that they are often put aside by teachers when they become unwieldly for greater factors, possibly depriving learners just when they need the help. The use of grids made on paper marked in squares is suggested. (MP)

Presents an approach for teaching the multiplication of fractions by helping students build a foundation on the basis of their informal knowledge. Suggests some action research ideas for teachers to try in their classrooms. (ASK)

Developed by the Initial Learning in Mainstreaming Project, the manual presents an instructional program to teach mainstreamed handicapped elementary school students multiplication with multipliers of up to three digits. In addition to detailed teaching instructions and text of tape recordings for students, the manual includes tests, worksheets,…