First, fourth, seventh, and tenth graders were timed when solving simple and complex addition problems, then were presented similar problems in untimed interviews. Manipulation of confusion between addition and multiplication, where multiplication answers were given to addition problems (3 + 4 = 12) indicated an interrelatedness of these…

The purpose of this study is to examine what effects the mnemonic devices of pictures and stories have on the memorization and recall of multiplication facts. This study was conducted on a fourth grade classroom in which the students were divided into three groups. The first group was given standard flashcards, the second group was given a set of…

This guide is a collection of ideas for mathematics activities which were assembled and tested by primary teachers. The activities supplement the teaching of basic numeracy and include topics such as algorithms, pyramids, magic squares, multiples, and number values. The guide is organized into four sections: (1) addition and subtraction; (2)…

A study of (n=26) prospective elementary teachers' understanding of the area of a rectangular region as a multiplicative relationship between the lengths of the sides resulted in the development of a description of the quantitative reasoning involved. (23 references) (MKR)

The effectiveness of teaching multiplication skills to 2nd graders with disabilities in general education classes was evaluated with 12 students with learning disabilities, 1 student with emotional disability, and 99 normally achieving peers. Students were taught using a concrete to representational to abstract instructional sequence. Students…

Described is an activity that categorizes a two-digit number as "sneaky" if the continued process of taking the difference of the squares of its digits leads to a difference of zero. Other categorizations are determined by whether the difference process ends in a one-digit number or continues in a loop of numbers. (MDH)

Applies the Lesh Translation Model to develop conceptual understanding by showing relationships between five modes of representation proposed by Lesh to learn multiplication of fractions. Presents five teaching activities based on the translation model. (MDH)

A mapping procedure based on the SOLO Taxonomy developmental model was used to classify the problem-solving strategies of students (n=34) in grades K-2. Only one multiplication problem was used to isolate three components of the problem-solving procedure. (MDH)

The author's secondary school mathematics students have often reported to her that quadratic relations are one of the most conceptually challenging aspects of the high school curriculum. From her own classroom experiences there seemed to be several aspects to the students' challenges. Many students, even in their early secondary education, have…

This article summarizes the basic concepts of multiplication and provides some evidence that the traditional third-grade curriculum and instruction emphasizing memorization of multiplication facts produces much less understanding of the basic concepts of multiplication than a standards-based curriculum and instruction emphasizing construction of…

This paper proposes a theory that can account for differences between everyday and formal mathematics knowledge and a set of processes by which informal knowledge is transformed into formal mathematics. After an introduction, the paper is developed in five sections. The first section lays out the nature of informal, everyday mathematics knowledge.…

"Primary Mathematics" is a magazine for primary grades teachers. It contains activities which can be used, or adapted for use, with children over a wide ability range. It also contains articles on the teaching and learning of mathematics. The material in this book was selected from 18 issues of "Primary Mathematics" published…

This paper looks at the issue of mathematics learning from a developmental perspective. It begins by focusing on the importance for teachers of understanding how mathematical thinking develops. The New Zealand Number Framework is used as an example of a developmental progression that is of particular relevance to the teaching of mathematics. The…

This module is the 11th in a series of 12 learning modules designed to teach occupational mathematics. Blocks of informative material and rules are followed by examples and practice problems. The solutions to the practice problems are found at the end of the module. Specific topics covered include multiplication, powers, calculator use, and roots.…

This study focused on the way mathematics was taught in selected primary school classrooms. The study involved the observation of 21 fourth-grade classes in eight schools over a two-week period. Results indicated a hiatus between what was taught and what should be taught and between how mathematics is taught and how it should be taught.…