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)

Research conducted in several countries has shown consistent patterns of performance on "change,""combine," and "compare" word problems involving addition and subtraction. These findings are interpreted within a theoretical framework which emphasizes development of levels of word problem-solving ability related to…

Analogies between topics in algebra and in arithmetic are noted. It is suggested that algebra teachers should consider how to take advantage of student backgrounds in arithmetic by exploiting these analogies. (MP)

A range of estimation techniques are described, and a series of mental computation procedures based on concepts of measurement and real numbers are presented in detail. (MP)

Examines what is believed to be the forgotten fundamental of the energy crisis, the elementary arithmetic of growth. The arithmetic is applied to what is known about the reserves of fossil fuels. A large number of erroneous pronouncements from public figures and news media are collected here. (SA)

In presenting a rationale for allowing--even encouraging--children to count on their fingers, the author illustrates finger counting systems from African and American Indian tribes and the medieval European system cataloged by the Venerable Bede. She cites number words from many languages which derive from names for gestures. (SJL)

A widely adopted National Diffusion Network program, Diagnostic Prescriptive Arithmetic, teaches elementary arithmetic skills through games and other concept-building activities. Practical math applications and problem-solving techniques are emphasized. (SK)

The investigation explored the possibility of predicting self-concept among 147 learning-disabled children (ages 7 to 13) on the bases of several combinations of predictor variables. The combinations of word knowledge performance, math performance, and family socioeconomic status (SES) significantly predicted self-concept. (Author/PHR)

The article examines which structure-of-intellect abilities are involved in readiness for arithmetic learning and how they relate to J. Piaget's constructs and analyzes six standardized arithmetic achievement tests. (PHR)

The effects on the learning process of the strategies of contextualization, personalization, and provision of choices for enhancing students intrinsic motivation were studied with 72 fourth and fifth graders in one control and four experimental conditions. All three strategies produced increases in student motivation and in engagement in learning.…

Describes an examination of arithmetic problem posing designed to examine the behaviors of 63 prospective elementary school teachers. Findings indicate that the test effectively evaluates arithmetic problem posing. Most subjects were able to pose solvable, complex problems. Performance improved when the task contained specific numerical…

This article offers specific strategies to diagnose and remediate difficulties students may have in learning multiplication facts. Analyzes strategies students use to go from a known fact to an unknown fact. The point is made that, for many students, the order of interpretation of a number fact may affect accuracy. (DB)

Describes a project approach that uses children's own stories as a source for teaching and learning mathematics while developing language and cultural awareness. (KHR)