The goal was to help 7- and 8-year olds develop computational skills in addition and subtraction. Experimental groups received instruction emphasizing mathematical structure while control groups worked on drill activities. Results showed that emphasizing structure facilitated the development of number concepts, place value, and computational…

In this study I examined 19 preservice secondary mathematics teachers' solution processes to word problems for which the subtraction or addition of the two given numbers yields 1 more or 1 less than the correct solution. Among the aspects of their solution processes that were examined are: the modeling strategies, the type of errors, and the…

Literature at national and international levels argues the importance of including mental computation in a mathematics curriculum that promotes number sense. However, mental computation does not feature in importance in the current Queensland mathematics syllabus documents. Hopefully, with the writing of a new mathematics syllabus, mental…

This guide contains classroom-tested problems designed to introduce and reinforce mathematical concepts in a quick, "fun" way. Activities emphasize the logic and reasoning skills needed to build a strong foundation in mathematics. The problems are thinking activities and require only elementary level mathematics skills. Activities are…

Presented is an example of how a child adopted an incorrect method for solution to arithmetic sentences. Methods for detecting and correcting this behavior are discussed. (JP)

The expected tendencies toward greater homogeneity among items produced under conditions employing behavioral objectives were not found. (Author/AG)

A Snip of the Scissors" describes the geometry involved in making stars by paper folding, and Checking the Calculated Average Through Subtraction" suggests practice in operations with negative numbers. (MM)

Two mental algorithms, one for addition and one for subtraction, are described. It is felt such algorithms should be taught explicitly. The usual process taught for paper and pencil is seen to inhibit mental arithmetic, and a need to include mental algorithms in the regular mathematics curriculum is promoted. (MP)

Problems focusing on number theory that can make good use of the calculator in discovering and proving simple theorems are proposed. The focus is on the properties of subtracting the smaller of a three digit number and its mirror number from the larger in a process that leads to zero. (MP)

This is a preliminary report on research into computational errors made by six- and seven-year-olds. (Author/MK)

Discussed are the results of the second National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) mathematics assessment concerning children's ability to solve verbal problems. The data indicate that the commonly held view that children cannot solve word problems may be an oversimplification. (Author/TG) Aspect of National Assessment (NAEP) dealt with in…

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)

A "flipping" clown figure can be used on a number line to help students conceptualize operations using negative numbers. (SJL)

Interviewed 70 children learning multidigit addition and subtraction in 2 different learning environments. Found that understanding and skill were closely related for tasks in which students had received no instruction and on more difficult tasks even after instruction. The alternative instruction, which encouraged students to develop their own…

Discusses a class on subtraction or difference-finding, problems such as "There are eight white flowers and five red flowers, how many more white flowers are there than red flowers?" used in the teaching of Japanese first grade children. Describes three instances of introductory teaching of "difference-finding" problems in the…