This report presents results of several extensive empirical studies. Prior to these studies it was believed that errors in procedural skills such as multi-digit subtraction could be accurately modelled with two mechanisms: bugs ("competence" phenomena reflecting mistaken beliefs about subtraction which are stable over time) and slips…

This study investigates the influence of changes in the wording of simple addition and subtraction problems without affecting their semantic structure on the level of difficulty of those problems for first and second graders and on the nature of their errors. The objective is to contribute to a better understanding of the process of constructing a…

Use of low-stress algorithms to reduce the cognitive load on students is advocated. The low-stress algorithm for addition developed by Hutchings is detailed first. Then a variation on the usual algorithm is proposed: adding from left to right, writing the partial sum for each stage. Next, a "quick addition" method for adding fractions proposed by…

The document presents the final report of the Initial Learning in Mainstreaming Project, which developed and tested instructional techniques in 14 specific mathematics skill areas with 429 handicapped and normal elementary school students in Grace and Soda Springs, Idaho. Skill areas included addition facts; subtraction facts; carrying…

A BOOKLET DESIGNED FOR ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS TO BE USED INDEPENDENTLY FROM AND IN ADDITION TO THE REGULAR CLASSROOM CURRICULUM IN MATHEMATICS IS PRESENTED. THE FIFTH- OR SIXTH-GRADE STUDENT IS GIVEN PRACTICE IN WORKING PROBLEMS IN SUBTRACTION AND DIVISION. SHORT CUTS AND HINTS ARE PRESENTED THROUGH EXAMPLES, SAMPLE PROBLEMS, AND ANSWERS. THE…

This study investigated the effectiveness of using the Calcumate, a copyrighted commercially available product, in teaching subtraction to average, disturbed, and retarded children in third, fourth, and fifth grades. The mechanical device simulates borrowing in subtraction problems involving two-digit numbers. Forty students were given these…

Material included in this bulletin provides an overview of research studies which pertain to teaching addition and subtraction of whole numbers in the primary grades. The studies mentioned relate directly to the following questions: (1) What foundation for addition and subtraction do children have upon entering school? (2) What is the relative…

This teacher guide is part of the materials prepared for an individualized program for ninth-grade algebra and basic mathematics students. Materials written for the program are to be used with audiovisual lessons recorded on tape cassettes. For an evaluation of the program, see ED 086 545. In this guide, the teacher is provided with objectives for…

Assumptions frequently made about learning disabled children are discussed, with many teaching suggestions provided. (MN)

Instructions are given for constructing and using a manipulative device which can help children to conceptualize and to comprehend the base-ten place-value system. (JT)

A unique magic hexagon, which can be used to help improve students' computational skills, is presented. (JT)

Second and third graders from six Dutch elementary schools (N = 168) solved two sets of almost identical addition and subtraction sums at a two-week interval. Inconsistency in strategies, which characterized half the subjects, was related to unfamiliar sums and resulted in misinterpreted errors. (TJH)

Data were collected in the problem representations and solution strategies of 30 first graders who were given a series of simple addition and subtraction word problems. The children were interviewed three times during the school year. The influence of problem structure on children's solution strategies appears more extensive and decisive than that…

Describes a research project designed to monitor the transition from work based on concrete materials to the more formalized aspect of mathematics found in secondary schools. The topic of subtraction was chosen by three teachers who were involved in the investigation. (PK)