Two mathematics curricula ("Distar Arithmetic" and "Scott Foresman Mathematics" and two arithmetic tests ("KeyMath" and the "Iowa Tests of Basic Skills" for grades one-three were examined for correspondence of content and types of learning required. A consistent lack of content correspondence was found among…

The Diagnostic Testing and Prescription model, developed by the Center for Talented Youth at Johns Hopkins University (MD), was implemented in seven sixth-grade classes at three Brooklyn schools. The selected 165 students were provided an accelerated curriculum (covering arithmetic, prealgebra, and in some cases, algebra) and completed from 1-2.5…

Tests of (n=107) third through sixth graders' basic addition facts found that 34% of errors involved the addition of zero and 83% of the remaining errors involved at least one of the digits 7, 8, or 9 when the other addend was 4 or more. (20 references) (MKR)

Explores abundant numbers and presents a proof that abundant numbers of every order exist. Readers are encouraged to use the included computer program to explore abundant numbers for themselves, look for patterns in the output, and consider further questions. (Author/MKR)

Discusses mathematics education research on multiplication and division which implies that instruction should emphasize development of a sound conceptual basis for multiplication and division rather than memorization of tables and rules. Presents action research ideas. (10 references) (MKR)

Describes three approaches teachers can use to help students understand the computation of numbers: calculator explorations, problem solving, and discussion topics. Specific examples are provided for primary and upper grades. (MDM)

A checklist is presented to identify common problems students exhibit in arithmetic. Alongside general areas of need, common mistakes are listed to help diagnose error patterns for targeting specific skills and designing effective intervention. General areas include readiness, problem solving, whole-number computations, fraction computations, and…

Discussed is the construction of a simple apparatus, the sky window, which can be used to investigate astronomy concepts. Activities using the sky window are suggested. (CW)

The differences between drill activities and practice activities and the reasons why there are differences are discussed. Two games that uses playing cards to provide students with untimed opportunities to practice their facts are described. (KR)

This article compares the relative merits of using Cuisenaire rods (unsegmented, unnumbered, and representing continuous quantities) and number sticks (segmented, numbered, and representing discrete quantities) to introduce number and arithmetic concepts to beginning students or students with learning difficulties or mental disabilities. (DB)

Nineteen gifted students and 11 average students, age 11, completed Einstellung Test problems and were queried about their metacognitive knowledge. A three-way interaction among giftedness, speed, and flexibility was found, with metacognitive knowledge as the criterion. Regardless of speed, inflexible children had less metacognitive knowledge than…

Presented is a comparison of two major surveys of the teaching and learning of mathematics conducted by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement. Surveys indicate that performance levels have declined in computational skills and increased in algebra. (Author/CW)

This article describes an empirical investigation of the extent to which incorrect arithmetic algorithms persist over time. Results with 30 fourth-year and third-year English students over up to 3 months shed light on "bugs," or students' learning of incorrect concepts, and indicate that they are not very stable in children of this age.…

Discusses why it is important to teach arithmetic, showing teachers how to match what they are teaching with children's real-world needs, presenting seven basics for teaching arithmetic today, and offering seven classroom strategies for implementing the instruction. The seven basics emphasize the importance of arithmetic skills and math facts as…

Presents activities on writing and learning about cuneiform numerals and some mathematical and numerical topics in the context of Mesopotamian culture. Includes resources for further reading. (ASK)